Paving Progress: Punjab Rolls Out 1,000 km Rural Road Upgrade

The Punjab government has issued tenders for the strengthening of 1,000 kilometers of rural roads, marking a significant step toward infrastructure development. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced that the first phase of the project will focus on key districts, including Faridkot, SBS Nagar, Pathankot, and Barnala, with roads designed to be 10 meters wide to enhance connectivity and transportation.

 

A major reform in the initiative extends contractor accountability. Previously, contractors were responsible for road maintenance for only one year, but under the new mandate, they will now be liable for upkeep for five years. To ensure quality, third-party audits will be conducted, and any discrepancies will result in fund recovery and contractor blacklisting. Government officials overseeing these projects will also be held accountable.

 

The project is part of the broader "Badlda Punjab Budget" for 2025-26, which includes a pledge to rebuild all damaged rural link roads in the state. A record-breaking 18,944 kilometers of rural roads will be constructed or upgraded within a single year, setting a new benchmark in Punjab’s history. The state budget has allocated Rs 2,873 crore for these developments, aiming to facilitate hassle-free travel, expedite agricultural marketing, and boost the state's economy.

 

Sources: Economic Times Infra, Hindustan Times, NewKerala.