The Municipal Corporation Ludhiana (MCL) has restored approximately 10 km of key road stretches after completing transmission pipeline installation under the ongoing World Bank- and AIIB-funded Canal-Based Ludhiana Surface Water Supply Project (LSWSS). The restored stretches include Pakhowal Road, Barewal Road, Subhash Nagar Road, Tajpur Road, Gill Road and Rose Garden Road, ensuring smoother traffic movement and providing relief to thousands of daily commuters and local residents.
Phased restoration to ease commuter inconvenience
Municipal Commissioner Ojasvi Alankar has issued strict directions to all project engineers and contractor agencies to ensure that every road is restored promptly after pipeline laying, with no compromise on construction quality, engineering standards or public safety. The project continues to follow stringent Environmental, Social, Health and Safety (ESHS) management practices, including comprehensive traffic diversion plans, secure barricading, reflective warning signage and regular water sprinkling for dust suppression.
National recognition for sustainable urban infrastructure
Highlighting the project's achievements, the Municipal Commissioner said the Ludhiana Surface Water Supply Project has emerged as a benchmark for sustainable urban infrastructure. The project has received national recognition through the SKOCH Silver Award under the Municipal Governance Water Supply Infrastructure category, the Global Sustainability and Innovation Award for Best Smart City Water Initiative, and recognition at the 17th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards.
Long-term benefits for 30 lakh residents
Seeking public cooperation, civic body officials said that while temporary inconvenience during construction is unavoidable, the project will deliver long-term benefits by providing clean, treated canal water to nearly 30 lakh residents, reducing dependence on rapidly depleting groundwater, improving public health and securing Ludhiana's water needs for future generations. They added that restoration of all remaining road stretches is progressing in a phased and time-bound manner and will be completed at the earliest.
