The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is working with full commitment to make the state’s infrastructure world-class. Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO today shared the progress of road development works, stating that construction and repair work of 45,000 kilometres of roads is being carried out at a war footing to strengthen the state’s road network. The government’s primary objective is to connect every village in Punjab with a better road network to boost the rural economy.

Emphasizing the quality and durability of roads, the Cabinet Minister said that the government has implemented strict rules. He clarified that after the construction of a road, if any damage occurs within the next 5 years, the entire responsibility for its repair will lie with the concerned contractor.

He informed that to ensure transparency and high quality in construction works, a ‘Chief Minister Flying Squad’ has been constituted, which is directly monitoring the projects. Along with this, a special ‘Quality Control Cell’ is also active, and departmental officials are conducting surprise inspections from time to time.

ETO stated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann himself is monitoring the development works. At several places, he has personally conducted on-ground inspections of construction projects. The government’s clear message is that the use of any substandard or inferior material in road construction will not be tolerated. A policy of ‘zero tolerance’ towards corruption and negligence is being adopted.

Highlighting technological innovation, the Cabinet Minister said that for the first time in Punjab, modern technology like ‘Full Depth Reclamation’ (FDR) is being used. Under this technology, 540 kilometres of link roads are currently being constructed.

The special feature of FDR technology is that the road level is maintained according to the level of houses, which prevents waterlogging issues. Soon, the scope of this technology will be expanded to cover more roads in the state.

The Minister also shared that due to recent unseasonal rains, there has been some delay in construction work, but the department is now working at double speed. He expressed confidence that the target of 45,000 kilometres of roads will be achieved by June, providing the people of Punjab with smooth and safe travel facilities.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab State Media In-charge and Yudh Nashean Virudh Chief Spokesperson Baltej Pannu said that encouraging results are emerging from the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. He said that the kind of success being achieved with the active support of the people of Punjab has proven that the state is rapidly moving towards becoming completely drug-free. This coordination between the government and the public has broken the backbone of drug traffickers.

Sharing the data of the ongoing Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign, Baltej Pannu stated, “Punjab Police has shown promptness by registering a total of 41,850 FIRs so far. Acting on these cases, around 60,000 drug traffickers have been arrested and sent behind bars.”

Highlighting the impact of the campaign, he continued, “The recovery figures by the police indicate how deeply the campaign is working. So far, the police has seized 2,569 kg of heroin, 0.37 kg of smack, 748 kg of opium, 35,058 kg of poppy husk, 898 kg of cannabis, and 4,599 kg of cocaine, dismantling large drug networks.”

Appreciating public participation, Baltej Pannu added, “The Village Defence Committees (VDCs) formed in villages are receiving full support from the people. The highest number of inputs are being received by the police through the specially developed mobile app for this campaign, which has a success rate of more than 80 percent.”

He said, “The large number of FIRs being registered and recoveries being made today are primarily possible due to the accurate information provided by the public and their support. This is a decisive victory in the direction of a ‘Rangla Punjab.’”