DW BUREAU / New Delhi / Patiala

Member of Parliament from Patiala, Smt. Preneet Kaur, along with Punjab BJP Mahila Morcha President Jai Inder Kaur, today met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, to press for the urgent upgradation of key roadways in the Patiala region.

Smt. Preneet Kaur emphasized the strategic and economic importance of both roadways, stating, "The Patiala-Pehowa-Kurukshetra route serves as a key economic and pilgrimage corridor connecting Punjab to Haryana and beyond. Upgrading it to a National Highway will significantly ease vehicular movement and boost local trade.

Highlighting the recent tragic road accident near Nassupur village on the Patiala?Samana road, where six school children and a driver lost their lives in a collision with a sand-laden truck, Smt. Preneet Kaur said the incident has shaken the conscience of the entire region. She stated that such heartbreaking incidents must act as a wake-up call for authorities to prioritize road safety and infrastructure.

Smt. Preneet Kaur also apprised the Union Minister that she has already discussed the matter with Punjab Government officials. She informed him that the forest land required for the road widening has been identified and the process for clearance has been initiated. Moreover, a dedicated budget has been proposed for the relocation of electric poles along the Patiala?Patran route to enable timely expansion.

Jai Inder Kaur stressed that the safety of commuters, especially school-going children, cannot be compromised any further and that immediate infrastructural intervention is the need of the hour. She added that with traffic increasing manifold in the region, these roads must be widened to prevent further tragedies.

Shri Nitin Gadkari took serious note of the matter and assured that both the proposals would be considered on priority. He appreciated the groundwork already undertaken at the state level and assured that his ministry will work in close coordination with the concerned departments to expedite the approval and execution process.

The meeting concluded with Smt. Preneet Kaur and Jai Inder Kaur thanking Shri Gadkari for his positive response and his continued commitment to infrastructure development and public safety in Punjab.

(editor@dailyworld.in)