Rs 3,561 cr integrated development plan approved for Ludhiana

The Punjab government on Sunday approved “Mission Ludhiana” — a Rs 3,651-crore integrated development plan for the industrial city and its adjoining areas.

In a meeting here on Saturday, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal also tied up the financial resources for the ambitious urban development programme and drew timelines for completion of every project, an official release said, adding that Ludhiana will be the first city in Punjab to get a multi-thousand crore integrated development plan.

At the meeting, Sukhbir said that with Ludhiana having a high density of vehicle population, the municipal corporation should start sweeping roads at nights. “The MC should also focus on slums and outer areas,” he added. Calling for the involvement of people in making the solid waste management programme a success, Sukhbir sanctioned Rs 15 crore for the purpose.

The deputy chief minister was told that Ludhiana city has 1,639 km of water distribution network with 779 tubewells and a project was on to cover remaining 17 per cent. Moreover, 4,832 houses for urban poor — constructed at a cost of Rs 113.53 crore — have been completed and the allotment process would start soon.

With 182-km main sewer and 1,279-km branch sewer, only 87 per cent of the city was covered under the sewerage system, instructions were also issued to cover the remaining 13 per cent area under the integrated programme. Sukhbir approved Rs 26 crore for sewerage system, Rs 290 crore for water supply, Rs 30 crore for sewage treatment plants and Rs 55 crore for operation and maintenance of these services.

The MC was also asked to come up with a plan for further expansion of Metro rail system to 200 km, introducing bus rapid transport system and making use of commuter rail system with adjoining cities. Sukhbir said that till Ludhiana gets quality mass transport system, the city road network would have to be upgraded for future challenges. While Rs 1,076.2 crore will be allotted for road widening, Rs 193.6 crore will go for new road links and Rs 920 crore for upgradation and widening of regional roads.

As many as 200 additional buses will be included in the present fleet of 30 buses, Sukhbir said and okayed the road system development plan, which included laying of new roads (313 km), road widening (199 km), construction of 41 flyovers, 18 RUBs and integrated freight complexes.

The meeting also approved improvement of 19 junctions across the city, including Vishwakarma Chowk, Jagraon Bridge Chowk and Geeta Mandir Chowk. (PTI)