CHANDIGARH OCT. 21: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod to introduce the Personal Rapid Transport (PRT) System in the holy city of Amritsar connecting the local Railway station and bus stand with Sri Harimandir Sahib to facilitate the daily commuters especially the devotees coming from different parts of the World to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple in a hassle free manner.
A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in the 27th Board meeting of the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB) here at Chief Minister's residence this evening.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the PIDB-cum-Secretary Housing & Urban Development Mr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu apprised the Chief Minister that the PRT System, first of its kind in the country was being introduced in Amritsar which was, so far only operational at the Heathrow Airport in London. It was also informed in the meeting that two Five Star Hotels would be soon developed by Taj Group and Sheraton Chain of International hotels in Amritsar.
The Chief Minister was also informed about the progress of the roads being developed along with the canals on BOT basis viz Ropar-Chamkaur Sahib-Neelon-Doraha Road on Sirhind Canal, Mannpur head to Jagraon-Raikot Road on Abohar branch, Rayan (NH-1) to Khara (NH-15) on Sabrahon Branch, Mannpur head to Barnala-Raikot Road on Bathinda and Nadampur-Lehra on Ghaggar Branch. Likewise, the Chief Minister alsodirected the MD PIDB to expedite the process of construction of five roads to be developed on DOT basis namely Tanda Mehta- Amritsar road, Morinda-Kurali-Siswaan-Baddi Road (upto Haryana Border), Kotkapura-Muktsar Road, Batala-Mehta- Bias road and Phillour-Nakodar-Kapurthala road.
The Board also informed the Chief Minister about the progress of the Pinkcassia Tourist Complex being now developed by Alchemist Holding Limited in PPP mode. Mr. Badal also reviewed the progress of Five Star Hotel at Bathinda, International Convention Center & Five Star Hotel besides and an Amusement Park in S.A.S Nagar (Mohali).
Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included: Finance Minister Dr. Upinderjit Kaur, Forest Minister Tikshan Sud, PWD (B&R) Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Transport Minister Master Mohan Lal, Chief Secretary Punjab Mr. S.C. Agarwal, Principal Secretary Tourism Mrs. Geetika Kalha, Principal Secretary Irrigation & Power Mr. Ashok Goel, Principal Secretary Finance Karanbir Singh Sidhu, Secretary PWD (B&R) Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Secretary Water Supply and Sanitation Mr. P.S. Aujla, CA GAMADA Mr. Vivek Partap Singh and CA PUDA Mr. Sarvjit Singh.