Mohali Residents Stage Protest Over Stalled PR-6 Road Construction
Residents and members of multiple housing societies under the Committee of Resident Welfare Associations and Societies (Corwas), Mega Mohali, organized a significant protest on Friday outside the head office of a private builder located in Sector 119. The demonstration was held to demand the urgent construction of the proposed PR-6 road, which has been delayed due to ongoing legal disputes.
Allegations of Legal Delays and Official Collusion
Protesters strongly alleged that the infrastructure project has been stalled because of a legal dispute involving the builder, negatively impacting thousands of residents in the surrounding area. Corwas members revealed that they have submitted multiple representations to the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (Puda) and the state government. These submissions requested that approvals granted to the builder be withheld and that the court case causing the delay be expedited, but they claimed no concrete action has been taken so far.
Corwas president Rajwinder Singh made serious allegations, stating that the builder obtained a high court stay "in collusion with Puda officials," which has directly led to the prolonged delay. He emphasized that several organizations have raised this issue previously, yet the matter remains unresolved, causing continuous hardship for the community.
Official Response and Legal Complexities
Senior officials from the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (Gmada) and Puda declined to provide official comments, citing that the matter is currently sub judice. Sources within Puda indicated that the department cannot issue an official statement while the case is pending in court.
A Puda officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, provided further insight. The officer explained that the builder has challenged the policy under which land for the road was acquired, despite having previously used the same proposed road alignment to market its real-estate projects to potential buyers. The case is scheduled for a hearing on April 1, and the authority is actively contesting it, arguing that it involves significant public interest.
Officials clarified that Puda acquired the land for the PR-6 road under the 2015 compensation policy, and the builder had already received compensation for its land. However, the builder later sought enhanced compensation and successfully obtained a stay order on the construction, further complicating the project's progress.
Broader Implications and Resident Concerns
Corwas member and advocate Gaurav Goel highlighted the wider implications of the situation. He noted that any increase in compensation for the builder could set a precedent affecting other builders and landowners in the region. Additionally, he pointed out that Puda has already invested nearly Rs 200 crore in the land acquisition process for this road, making the delays financially significant.
Residents expressed that the PR-6 road is a crucial connector between Airport Road and Kharar-Landran Road. Its completion would substantially ease traffic congestion at Landran Chowk, improving daily commutes for many. They also revealed that numerous buyers invested in nearby housing projects after being shown the proposed road during marketing campaigns. The ongoing delay has therefore caused considerable inconvenience and hardship for these residents.
Furthermore, residents reported that the land earmarked for the road remains unused and is currently waterlogged. They stressed that constructing the road would not only enhance connectivity but also improve sanitation and overall living conditions in the area, addressing both transportation and environmental concerns.
