The proposed Rs.500 crore ring road project in Ludhiana is expected to ease traffic problems in the city.

The project is proposed to be built through private sector participation on a build-operate-transfer basis. Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB), which is the nodal agency for undertaking infrastructure development projects in Punjab, is seeking private participation for the project. PIDB has invited offers from consultants to carry out a detailed techno-economic study for the project.

Fifteen companies have evinced interest in the techno-economic study of the proposed project. The consultants would be required to carry out requisite traffic surveys and estimate the volume of toll-paying traffic likely to use the project road. They would also prepare preliminary design for the project as well as land acquisition and utility relocation plans. They would also determine the phasing plan, if any, for implementation of the project and subsequently, determine the cost of the project and evaluate its financial feasibility.

It is proposed that the existing road network in Ludhiana is to be integrated with the ring road to ease congestion and facilitate planned urbanisation.

The consultants are also expected to conduct preliminary environmental and social impact assessment for the project and prepare social and environmental action plans. They will also identify resources for making the project commercially viable and self-financing. The consultants are also expected to assess the potential trend and growth scenario of the city. The project will incorporate proposals for toll plazas.

The bids would be evaluated on the National Highways Authority of India pattern and the study is likely to commence in mid-July 2002, to be completed in 22 weeks. Subsequently, bids would be invited for construction by private sector either in one go or in phases, as the study may suggest.