Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday visited Tarn Taran to lay the foundation stone for the repair and upgradation of more than 19,000 kilometers of rural roads across the state. Describing the initiative as a historic milestone for rural infrastructure, CM Mann emphasized that the project will significantly benefit the local population by providing smoother, wider, and safer roads.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mann announced that the responsibility for road maintenance will rest with contractors who secure the five-year contracts, ensuring long-term accountability. He assured that officials would not interfere with the contractors’ work, and the roads would be upgraded to high standards for maximum benefit to residents.
Focusing on Tarn Taran district, the Chief Minister highlighted that the region has approximately 1,210 kilometers of rural roads slated for development, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 125 crore. In addition, Rs 44 crore has been allocated in advance to ensure uninterrupted work over the next five years. CM Mann stressed that these measures are part of the government’s commitment to efficient utilization of public funds, promising transparency and long-term results for the people.
CM Mann elaborated on the methodology employed for the road survey, noting that initial manual surveys were conducted by engineers, followed by advanced AI technology to assess road conditions. The AI survey revealed that in many areas, roads barely extend 400 to 500 meters—an oversight in reports prepared by previous governments. The Chief Minister reiterated that his administration aims to save public money and reinvest it in projects that directly benefit the people.
During the event, CM Mann also highlighted the government’s broader achievements, including improvements in the state’s power sector. He noted that while earlier reports frequently cited only a day’s worth of coal stock, Punjab now maintains a 27-day coal reserve, ensuring uninterrupted free electricity supply to citizens. The Chief Minister also updated the public on flood relief measures and reconstruction efforts, emphasizing the government’s commitment to rehabilitating affected areas and strengthening the state’s infrastructure.
Looking ahead, CM Mann revealed that the government plans to distribute land checks covering 20,000 acres within the next ten days, further underscoring the administration’s focus on rural development and economic empowerment.
With this comprehensive initiative, the Punjab government under CM Bhagwant Mann is taking a decisive step toward modernizing rural infrastructure, ensuring connectivity, and enhancing the quality of life for residents across the state.
