India denies delay in Kartarpur work

TNN | Updated: Jul 10, 2019, 4:00 IST

Highlights

Pakistan had completed over 80% of the work on the Kartarpur corridor from the zero line to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, India was still some way behind, Pakistani media quoted an official as saying
Refuting criticism that India was lagging in Kartarpur construction work, official sources said the government was trying to complete building the corridor “expeditiously”

File photo used for representation.

NEW DELHI: Refuting criticism that India was lagging in Kartarpur construction work, official sources on Tuesday said the government was trying to complete building the corridor “expeditiously”.
However, the forthcoming talks between Indian and Pakistani officials on July 14 at Wagah could get into trouble over India’s insistence that Pakistan build a bridge on its side of the corridor to address concerns of flooding.
Pakistani media quoted a senior official involved in the project as saying that while Pakistan had completed over 80% of the work on the Kartarpur corridor from the zero line to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, India was still some way behind. Pakistan said it wanted to throw open the corridor to Sikh pilgrims by November 2. India has not put any such deadline.
India said it would take up the issue of flooding of Dera Baba Nanak on the Indian side with Pakistan. Islamabad is reportedly building an embankment-filled road which could flood property on the Indian side.
“Three rounds of technical level discussions have been held with the Pakistani side and they have been asked not to create structures that would, in any manner, endanger life and property on the Indian side due to flooding. India is already building a bridge on its side to provide all-weather connectivity for the Kartarpur corridor. Pakistan has also been asked to build a similar bridge on its side that would ensure safe and secure movement of pilgrims and also address concerns with regard to flooding,” a source said.

India only awarded the project for the passenger terminal building on May 29. “The land acquisition process has been completed with the support of the Punjab government and the project is scheduled to be completed by October 31. The total cost of the project is Rs 177.50 crore,” the source added.
Indian officials also said they were building a four-lane highway connecting zero point to NH-354, and land acquisition was complete. “Nearly 45% of the work has been completed. The road is scheduled to be completed by September 30,” the source said.