A significant administrative shift is finally progressing in Ludhiana, where the long-awaited transfer of several residential colonies from the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) to the Municipal Corporation (MC) is gaining momentum. The key development is the LIT's decision to undertake major road construction itself before the formal handover, a move aimed at ensuring cost efficiency.
Financial Dispute Leads to New Plan
The decision emerged after a disagreement over development funds. The Municipal Corporation had demanded money from the LIT for essential works in the colonies slated for transfer. Following a joint inspection, the MC prepared a detailed estimate of Rs 57 crore, primarily for road construction. However, LIT officials found this estimate to be excessively high.
This financial impasse prompted the Trust to take matters into its own hands. LIT chairman Tarsem Bhinder confirmed the new strategy. He stated that while joint surveys were conducted, leading to the MC's financial demand, the Trust has decided to execute the essential road construction work at its own level to control costs. Bhinder added that tenders for this work have already been issued, and construction is scheduled to commence after the winter season concludes.
MC Ready to Assume Responsibility
On the other side, the Municipal Corporation has expressed its readiness to take over the colonies. Municipal Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal affirmed that the civic body is prepared to assume responsibility at any time. He highlighted that the MC already manages two critical services in these areas: water supply and sewerage.
Regarding sanitation, the third major service, Dachalwal noted it is currently covered by a contract issued by the LIT, which remains valid until March 2026. With core services already under its purview, the Commissioner emphasized that the formal transfer is now largely a procedural step.
Colonies Included in the Transfer
The formal handover will encompass five major residential areas, whose transfer was announced during the Ludhiana West byelection. The colonies set to be transferred are:
- Rajguru Nagar
- Rishi Nagar
- SBS Nagar
- Sant Isher Singh Nagar Flats
- Sukhdev Enclave
The necessary government sanctions to authorize this transfer have already been secured, clearing the final administrative hurdle. This move is expected to streamline civic administration and service delivery for thousands of residents in these established neighborhoods, bringing them directly under the umbrella of the city's main civic body.
