Road Revolution in Punjab: Mann Government Accelerates Rural Development

The Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is taking historic steps towards strengthening rural infrastructure. A total of 30,237 link roads are present in the state, with a total length of 64,878 km. Out of these, as many as 7,373 link roads measuring 19,491.56 km have been taken up for repair and upgradation at a total cost of ₹4,150.42 crore. Out of this amount, ₹3,424.67 crore would be spent on the repair and upgradation of link roads, while ₹725.75 crore would go towards the maintenance of the same for five years.

The most exciting feature of the whole ambitious project was that an AI-based survey was done for all roads. This ensured more accuracy and transparency, thus saving ₹383.53 crore. The government, in order to keep up with the highest quality standards, took a revolutionary step by holding its first-ever “Road Infrastructure Development Meeting.” The officials from the Mandi Board and Public Works Department were given strict instructions during the meeting that compromise on quality would not be tolerated.

Equally important to this commitment is its emphasis on public safety. It has come up with a major road safety project worth ₹ 91.83 crore that includes the establishment of zebra crossings, warning signs near schools and public places, and signboards every two kilometres to ensure transparency and important information to road users.

Link roads, he asserted, are the backbone of the rural economy, as they link farmers, traders, and citizens throughout Punjab. These roads will facilitate easy transportation of goods and services, which will further accelerate economic activity across the state. He said that this initiative is not only about rebuilding roads but laying a new path for holistic rural development in which every road leads to progress and every turn tells a new story of growth.