Munish Sood
Mandi
Mandi Sadar MLA Anil Sharma on Thursday met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi and raised a range of concerns over the ongoing construction work on National Highway-003, particularly the Mandi–Kotli/Kadkoh section.
Sharma apprised Gadkari of the ground situation along the highway, pointing out that several works remain incomplete and that residents have been facing considerable inconvenience due to the quality and manner of execution of the ongoing works.
Among the key issues raised by the MLA were the cutting and improvement of sharp and dangerous bends, several of which continue to pose a serious accident risk. He also highlighted inadequate drainage arrangements, the absence of retaining and breast walls at vulnerable locations, and the lack of proper approach roads and pedestrian access to houses and properties affected by land acquisition.
The MLA further drew attention to inadequate road-safety measures and the non-construction of proposed bus shelters along the stretch.
Sharma stressed that these issues were directly linked to the safety, mobility and day-to-day convenience of residents of the Mandi Sadar constituency and required time-bound intervention.
He also requested the Union minister to release an additional ₹70 crore for completion of the works on the section. According to the statement, the amount was sanctioned and released immediately following the meeting.
Gadkari, the statement said, heard the concerns regarding the affected residents and assured Sharma that the issues would be examined and appropriate action taken.
The meeting comes amid continuing concerns over the execution of the highway project, with residents seeking completion of pending works and corrective measures at accident-prone and vulnerable stretches.
