19.10.08

Punjab shortlists consultant to draw master plan for six towns

Punjab Urban Development Authority (Puda) has selected a Delhi-based firm Sai Consultants to design a master plan for six towns including Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Batala, Pathankot, Tarantaran and Kapurthala.Four companies including foreign firms offered bid for the state government’s ambitious project The cost of preparing the plan for Amritsar has been estimated at Rs 2 crore while for other towns,the cost will be around Rs 30-60 lakh depending upon the area and infrastructure. Punjab government had plans to come up with masterplan for 30towns to ensure a planned future expansion. For other towns, Puda is expected to invite fresh bids shortly. Chief administrator of Puda,Som Parkash said, “We decided to select Delhi-based firm as charges of foreign consultants were exorbitant. Initially, the plan will be chalked out for six towns,then we will invite fresh bids for other remaining towns. Department of town planning may carry out the task of preparing master plan for other towns for which the decision is awaited. This option is being considered as it will ensure reduction of costs”.
“The master plan will ensure planned development of these towns in sectors like roads, residential,commercial areas,hospitals, industries besides educational institutions. The company engaged for the job, would first prepare the vision document for each town, to advise the government and Puda on regulations, by-laws and policy, apart from other related issues. Once the master plan comes out, then any change in land use would be allowed as per the plan only in the state”,he added.
The master plan of these towns will be on the lines of Mohali and Ludhiana,where Singapore-based company Jurong has prepared the detailed strategy, for which the government has paid around eight crore to the company.

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