Punjab Government Plans Private Maintenance for 83 km of Mohali Roads

The Punjab Government has announced an ambitious plan to outsource the beautification, maintenance, and operation of major roads in Mohali to private entities for a decade. The proposed expenditure of Rs 783.46 crore for 83.4 km of roads translates to approximately Rs 10 crore per kilometer. This initiative marks the first instance of public road maintenance being handed over to private parties in the region.

Under the Mohali Next Generation Roads Programme, the project encompasses critical roads and junctions managed by the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) and the Municipal Corporation. The government has initiated e-tenders to select a concessionaire under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), placing the responsibility for designing, upgrading, resurfacing, and maintaining the designated road stretches on the chosen contractor.

Project Scope and Implementation

A dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) will support GMADA throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring efficient implementation and oversight. The PMU will collaborate with the concessionaire to create a joint inventory that includes existing road conditions, drainage systems, signage, and other infrastructure. This inventory will guide the detailed designs that must be approved by GMADA.

The announcement of this extensive project has drawn scrutiny from various stakeholders. Prominent author and actor Amitoj Mann expressed concerns regarding the justification for such a high expenditure, questioning whether the funds could be better allocated. Mann, who has been involved in public movements addressing pollution and was active during the 2020 farm protests, called for greater transparency and public accountability in the project.

Despite the criticism, officials from GMADA have defended the initiative. They assert that the selected roads are among the most trafficked in Mohali and require more than routine repairs. According to project representatives, the scope of work includes comprehensive upgrades, resurfacing, drainage improvements, junction enhancements, and ongoing maintenance for the duration of the contract. Any necessary repairs during the 10-year concession period will fall entirely on the concessionaire, ensuring consistent upkeep of the infrastructure.

Timeline and Next Steps

The execution of the project will unfold in multiple phases, prioritizing some of the city’s busiest arterial and connector roads. GMADA officials have already released e-tenders for the scheme. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for January 19, 2024, with online bids accepted until February 2, 2024. Technical bids will be evaluated on the same day, followed by the announcement of a date for opening financial bids.

Officials indicated that the project could be amended based on feedback received during the pre-bid consultation process. GMADA emphasizes that the Mohali Next Generation Roads Programme aims to facilitate a structured upgrade and long-term maintenance of key roads through private participation, all under the authority’s vigilant supervision.

This initiative represents a significant shift in how public infrastructure is managed in Punjab, potentially setting a precedent for similar projects in the future.