Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday announced that the state government has issued tenders for the strengthening of 1,000 kilometers of rural roads, marking the launch of a major infrastructure initiative.
In the first phase, the project will focus on improving rural roads in the districts of Faridkot, SBS Nagar, Pathankot, and Barnala. These roads, each designed to be 10 meters wide, are expected to significantly improve connectivity and transportation in rural areas across Punjab.
Cheema emphasised that the state government has increased the accountability of contractors to ensure better quality and durability of the roads. Unlike earlier mandates, where contractors were responsible for maintenance for just one year, they will now be held accountable for a five-year period.
A third-party audit system will be implemented to maintain quality standards. Any discrepancies found during these audits will lead to recovery of funds and blacklisting of defaulting contractors.
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In addition to contractors, the government officials overseeing the projects will also be held accountable for their roles in ensuring timely and high-quality execution. Cheema reiterated the AAP-led government's commitment to fulfilling its promises as outlined in the 2025-26 state budget, which included a pledge to reconstruct all damaged rural link roads.
He further highlighted that a record-breaking 18,944 kilometers of rural link roads will be constructed or upgraded within a single year, setting an unprecedented milestone in the state’s development history. Cheema criticised previous governments for launching such initiatives only in the final year of their tenure and assured that the current administration is committed to swift and timely execution.
The finance minister also noted that the prompt issuance of tenders following the budget's approval is proof of the government’s focus on action over rhetoric. He added that the improved rural road network will enable smoother travel, speed up the transport of agricultural goods, and give a significant boost to Punjab’s economy.
The state budget has allocated Rs 2,873 crore for the construction and upgradation of these rural link roads, which will be carried out by the Punjab Mandi Board.
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