Ludhiana, May 2
The Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU) successfully organized a high-level industrial interaction session at the CICU Complex, Focal Point, where long-pending concerns of the industrial fraternity were strongly raised before Sanjeev Arora, Minister for Industries & Commerce, Power and Local Bodies, Punjab.
The event became a significant platform for direct dialogue between the government and industry stakeholders, with the Minister assuring prompt and positive action on key matters concerning Ludhiana’s industrial sector.
The programme was attended by Sanjeev Arora as Chief Guest, along with Principal Inderjit Kaur, Mayor, Municipal Corporation Ludhiana, and Neeru Katyal Gupta, IAS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Ludhiana. A large number of industrialists, entrepreneurs, trade leaders, and representatives of business associations participated in the session.
Welcoming the Minister, CICU President Upkar Singh Ahuja expressed gratitude to the Punjab Government for implementing the landmark PSIEC Leasehold to Freehold Policy. He described the decision as historic, noting that the industrial fraternity had been demanding this reform for nearly 50 years. The policy, he said, would provide major relief to industrial plot holders, strengthen investor confidence, and accelerate industrial expansion across Punjab.
CICU also highlighted the urgent need for upgradation of the ESIC Dispensary at Focal Point, which serves thousands of workers and industrial employees. The Minister assured that the matter would be taken up on priority and necessary improvements would be made shortly.
Concerns regarding poor sanitation and delayed garbage lifting in industrial areas were raised. Taking immediate note, the Minister announced that the new tender for garbage collection in Ludhiana will be opened on 18 May, expected to significantly improve cleanliness and waste management services across the city, including industrial zones. He reiterated that sanitation and civic management remain top priorities of the government.
Another major issue highlighted was the lack of transport facilities for workers commuting daily from nearby villages to Focal Point. The Minister assured that the matter would be discussed with the Transport Minister and a suitable bus service solution would be worked out soon.
CICU emphasized the urgent requirement of under-bridges and over-bridges to ease traffic congestion and improve movement of goods carriers and employees in industrial belts. The Minister informed that some infrastructure works are already under progress, while the remaining proposals would also be taken up in the near future.
In another major announcement, the Minister stated that the largest parking facility in the region will soon be developed on Ferozepur Road by NHAI. This project is expected to provide substantial relief from traffic congestion, roadside parking pressure, and logistical bottlenecks.
The interaction session reflected growing coordination between CICU and the Punjab Government to resolve industrial issues through direct engagement and practical solutions. Industrialists appreciated the Minister’s open approach and quick assurances on several pressing matters.
