Punjab's Road Revolution: Mann Unveils Huge Infrastructure Overhaul

Bhagwant Mann announced the Punjab government's ambitious road construction plan, covering 44,920 km with a budget of Rs 16,209 crore. The project includes rural and urban roads, funded independently by the state amid withheld central funds. Mann criticized political games around sports infrastructure following athlete deaths.

The Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has launched an extensive road construction initiative, aiming to cover 44,920 kilometers with an expenditure of Rs 16,209 crore. Mann stated this grand infrastructure project, the largest in the state's history, will include a mixture of Public Works Department roads, rural link roads, and urban routes.

The construction will span 2,829 km of PWD roads, 18,545 km of rural roads, and additional stretches under various civil bodies, ensuring comprehensive coverage across Punjab. Despite the absence of central funds, Mann vowed to maintain quality, requiring village resolutions on material approval before releasing payments. Moreover, contractors receiving tenders must maintain the roads for five years.

Mann also addressed concerns about inadequate sports infrastructure following deaths of young athletes in Haryana, criticized political opponents, and suggested the sports sector requires urgent improvements. Mann accused the Haryana administration of neglecting sanctioned funds for sports grounds, implying politics was impacting athletes' welfare.

(With inputs from agencies.)