Mohali : A fresh controversy has surfaced over the ambitious Mohali Next Generation Road Project, with Deputy Mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi raising strong objections to the ongoing tender process during the pendency of a case in the High Court. The project, initiated by the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority, aims at large-scale upgradation, resurfacing, and beautification of roads and junctions across the city.
However, Bedi has written to the Chief Administrator of GMADA, urging that the tender process be immediately halted until the court delivers its verdict.
Bedi stated that he has already filed a petition challenging the project, which is currently under consideration by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He pointed out that the case was recently adjourned due to time constraints and argued that reopening tenders during this period is inappropriate and could raise legal concerns.
The project, estimated at around Rs 666.41 crore, is being executed under the Hybrid Annuity Model. It covers more than 422 kilometers of road network, with a significant portion under GMADA and the remaining under the Municipal Corporation SAS Nagar. The cost is proposed to be shared in a 70:30 ratio between the two bodies.
In his letter, Bedi highlighted procedural lapses, claiming that mandatory approval from the Municipal Corporation’s General House has not been obtained so far. He also alleged that no official communication has been sent to the Corporation regarding its financial or administrative role in the project.
Further raising concerns over transparency, Bedi claimed that several roads included in the tender have either been recently constructed or already resurfaced, questioning the necessity of their inclusion. He suggested that certain tender conditions may have been designed to benefit a specific company.
Appealing for restraint, Bedi urged authorities to pause all proceedings until the High Court’s decision. He warned that if the process continues, he may approach the Vigilance Department seeking a detailed inquiry into the matter.
