DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

In a major move aimed towards strengthening rural road network of the state, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has launched a mega project for the construction of 18,900 kilometers of rural link roads across the state.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond announced that following the recent budget announcements, the first phase of the project has been initiated with tenders floated for 828 kilometers of rural link roads. These roads span the districts of Barnala, Faridkot, Pathankot, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, directly benefiting residents in these districts.

Minister Sond detailed that tenders have been issued for roads in the assembly constituencies of Bhadaur, Mehal Kalan, Faridkot, Kotkapura, Jaitu, Balachaur, Banga, Nawanshahr, Bhoa, Pathankot, and Sujanpur. He added that tenders for another 12,500 kilometers of roads will be floated by May 30, and all remaining tenders will be completed by June 15.

Emphasizing transparency and accountability, Sond said that for the first time, the contractors awarded these projects will also be responsible for the maintenance of the roads for a period of five years. If any road deteriorates during this period, the contractor will be liable for repair and reconstruction. This marks a shift from previous governments where poor quality roads often required repeated patchwork, leading to wastage of public funds and increased corruption.

The tendering process, Sond noted, has been made fully transparent with clearly defined rules and conditions. To ensure high construction standards, the quality of roads will be monitored through geo-tagging and photo-based mobile applications. Furthermore, complete project details will be made available on a public portal so that citizens can track the progress of road construction in their respective areas.

The minister warned that any contractor found negligent in their duties or delivering substandard roads will be blacklisted and barred from future projects.

(editor@dailyworld.in)