Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann unveils ₹16,209 crore plan to lay 44,920 km roads in a year.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann recently unveiled an ambitious road construction programme spanning 44,920 km across the state, with a total project cost of ₹16,209 crore. The project, aimed at improving connectivity and rural infrastructure, is scheduled for completion by the end of next year and will include a strict five-year maintenance clause.

Addressing a press conference, Mann said a comprehensive survey had been conducted to identify roads requiring repair, widening, or upgrades. All roads in villages, towns, and cities will feature high-quality construction along with world-class safety standards, including luminous lane and edge markings.

“This will be the biggest road construction initiative in the history of Punjab. It will significantly improve mobility and boost rural infrastructure. The state government has already begun constructing 19,373 km of rural link roads at a cost of ₹4,092 crore, starting on October 17 at Tarn Taran,” Mann said.

The CM noted that this year’s unprecedented floods had further damaged connectivity in affected areas, increasing demand for high-quality roads across the state. To ensure accountability, a five-year maintenance clause has been included. Payments to contractors will be released only after all villages connected by a road confirm their satisfaction with the quality of work. Residents dissatisfied with construction can submit videos for government verification.

Mann also highlighted strict monitoring of the project. The ‘Chief Minister’s Flying Squad’ continues to oversee construction quality. Contracts of some contractors have already been canceled due to the use of substandard materials. Mann warned that strict action would be taken against any contractor or government employee found involved in poor-quality work.

The CM emphasized that Punjab is funding the entire project from its own resources, as the state has not received any Rural Development Fund (RDF) allocations from the Centre. Previously, RDF funds were used by the Punjab Mandi Board for maintaining rural roads, especially those connected to grain markets.