Hoshiarpur, July 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Rajya Sabha MP and senior BJP leader Avinash Rai Khanna met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday and urged the Centre to facilitate the construction of a bypass for Garhshankar to address the town’s growing traffic congestion.
During the meeting, Khanna apprised Gadkari of the persistent traffic jams in Garhshankar, stating that the town witnesses heavy movement of both commercial and private vehicles every day, resulting in long delays and inconvenience for residents and commuters.
He stressed the need for a permanent solution and sought the construction of a bypass to ease traffic flow and improve road safety.
Responding to the request, Gadkari informed Khanna that the road in question falls under State Highway-24, and therefore the Central Government cannot directly sanction funds for the project.
However, the Union Minister assured that if the Punjab Government submits a proposal seeking financial assistance for the bypass under the prescribed procedure, the Centre would positively consider extending financial support for the project in public interest.
Immediately after the meeting, Khanna said he contacted the Chief Secretary of Punjab over the telephone and urged the state government to complete the required formalities at the earliest so that a proposal for Central assistance could be forwarded without delay.
Khanna described the proposed bypass as a vital infrastructure project not only for Garhshankar but for the overall economic and social development of the region.
He said the bypass would significantly reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety, and save both travel time and fuel for commuters.
Expressing optimism, Khanna said that if the Punjab Government sends the proposal to the Centre in time, the long-pending demand of the people of Garhshankar for a bypass could soon become a reality.
Jalandhar North MLA K.D. Bhandari was also present during Khanna’s meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
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