MIANWALI: The mega project of dualisation of road between Sargodha and Mianwali is being delayed due to alleged lack of cooperation among various departments.

The project being in the hometown of the prime minister was inaugurated by him in January 2020. The work for Phase-I is scheduled to be completed in June 2021.This road starts from Mianwali towards Sargodha as the Phase-I covers the distance of 30.63 kilometres, It is estimated to be completed at a cost of Rs4,700 million.

In addition to that, the Highways Department has paid huge amounts to the Pakistan Railways, Wapda and forest department. The Pakistan Railways got Rs32.50 million to widen the only level crossing at Wan-Bhachran.

The road has been completed on both sides but the level crossing has not been widened. Wapda has got Rs22.50 million to replace electricity poles from the roadside and they are still unmoved.

The Punjab government has not yet included funds in the current budget for the phase-II & III of the project falling in the limits of Khushab and Sargodha.

Contractor Mian Mohammad Khan told Dawn that he had nearly completed work on both sides of the level crossing at Wan-Bachran and his labour would sit idle till the widening of the railway crossing.

Executive Engineer Highways Mianwali Mr Mansoor Arshad Pansota said his department made payments to the Pakistan Railways and Wapda authorities at the start of the project but despite persistent reminders by him, both departments were not cooperating.

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2021