Punjab Sets Benchmark with Groundbreaking Road Infrastructure Drive under CM Mann

In a landmark initiative aimed at transforming rural connectivity and economic mobility, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has launched a comprehensive road infrastructure campaign that marks a first in the state’s history. The ambitious program is centered around the repair and upgradation of over 18,900 kilometers of link roads—lifelines that interweave Punjab’s agrarian heartland with its markets and cities. With an investment of ₹3,459.95 crore, the initiative is being hailed as a turning point in the state’s rural development trajectory.

Unveiling the initiative during the “Sadak Dhaancha Vikas Milni” interactive session held at Tagore Theatre, CM Mann emphasized the strategic importance of high-quality link roads for both mobility and commerce. He pointed out that Punjab has a sprawling network of nearly 64,878 kilometers of such roads, many of which have surpassed their functional lifespan without significant repair. The new campaign, he said, is a direct response to the demands and needs of the rural population—something his administration is closely attuned to.

In a shift from past practices marred by allegations of corruption and substandard work, the current government has instituted a mechanism where the contractors building these roads will also be responsible for their maintenance for five years. This move, according to the Chief Minister, ensures accountability and long-term quality. Mann didn’t hold back while criticizing the earlier regimes, accusing them of allowing corruption to fester in the road construction tendering process. He said that the current dispensation is working to eradicate such practices by keeping transparency and quality at the forefront.

Adding a tech-enabled dimension to the campaign, Mann revealed that Artificial Intelligence has been introduced in the estimation and auditing of road projects—a first for the state. This digital upgrade has already helped the state save over ₹226 crore by identifying over 540 kilometers of roads that existed only on paper. He stressed that future roadworks would only commence after ensuring the completion of sewerage and utility installations, and a Third Party Techno-Financial Audit will serve as a watchdog to guarantee construction integrity.

The state government’s focus on wider roads also came into spotlight, especially the link roads used for mining which have been expanded from 10 to 18 feet. A separate allocation of ₹266.27 crore has been approved for this purpose, covering nearly 390 kilometers. These upgraded roads are expected to streamline transportation for both commercial and civilian purposes.

Despite its progressive strides, the state is grappling with financial hurdles. CM Mann lamented the withholding of ₹6,857 crore by the Union government under the Rural Development Fund, attributing the roadblock to the fiscal mismanagement by previous administrations. Additionally, the reduction in the Market Development Fee from 3% to 2% by the central government is also expected to impact the state’s financial planning for agriculture-linked infrastructure.

Nonetheless, the Chief Minister highlighted several achievements his administration has made in other sectors, which underscore a broader commitment to holistic governance. He mentioned that the use of canal water for irrigation has significantly increased—from 21% to 75%, with a target to reach 80%. Furthermore, over 15,947 water courses have been rejuvenated to ensure water reaches the remotest villages, an effort aimed at making agriculture more sustainable.

In education and healthcare, too, Punjab is witnessing a quiet revolution. Mann claimed that government schools are being overhauled to the extent that choosing them would soon become a matter of preference, not compulsion. He also spotlighted the creation of the state’s first dedicated “Sadak Surakhya Force,” a road safety initiative that has already shown results—a 48.10% decline in road accident fatalities since its launch last February. The force comprises over 1,500 freshly recruited, specially trained personnel, including women, equipped with state-of-the-art vehicles, and is already being studied as a model by other states and the central government.

Through this far-reaching program, Punjab under Bhagwant Singh Mann is not only reshaping its physical landscape but is also signaling a deeper commitment to inclusive growth and grassroots governance. The scale, transparency, and technological integration of this road infrastructure initiative set a new benchmark not just for the state, but for the country as a whole.

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