Chandigarh/Mohali, Jan 18: The Punjab Government has introduced an unprecedented plan to outsource the beautification and upkeep of 83.4 kilometers of major roads in Mohali to private companies. Under the “Mohali Next Generation Roads Programme,” the state proposes to spend Rs 783.46 crore, which breaks down to approximately Rs 10 crore for every kilometer of roadway maintained over a 10-year period.
The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has already initiated the bidding process using a Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). This marks the first time public road maintenance in the region has been handed to private entities for a duration that exceeds the typical lifespan of a sitting government. The selected firms will be responsible for the design, resurfacing, and long-term operation of stretches currently under the jurisdiction of both GMADA and the Municipal Corporation.
To ensure oversight, a Project Management Unit will monitor the private concessionaires. Before work begins, officials will conduct a joint inventory of all existing infrastructure, including drainage, trees, and signage, which will serve as the blueprint for the final upgrades.
The high price tag and the decade-long contract have sparked significant public debate. Amitoj Mann, an author and activist, questioned the justification for such high costs on existing infrastructure. Mann noted that the project requires much higher levels of public explanation and accountability than has been provided so far.
Government officials have defended the expenditure, stating that the project is far more extensive than routine patchwork. They mentioned that the selected roads are the most heavily trafficked corridors in the city and require a “comprehensive upgrade” to meet future demands.
“The scope includes comprehensive upgrade, resurfacing, drainage works, junction improvements and beautification, along with long-term maintenance,” an official said while explaining the high cost.
Under the agreement, the private firms must handle every repair and instance of wear and tear for the next decade. GMADA officials mentioned that this ensures consistent road quality without the need for constant government intervention.
The bidding process is currently underway, with a pre-bid meeting scheduled for January 19. Final technical bids are expected by February 2, after which the financial details will be evaluated to select the winning contractors.
