Punjab Accelerates Link Road Development for Rural Connectivity and Economic Growth

The Punjab government has launched a major infrastructure initiative aimed at revitalizing the state’s link road network. With a focus on enhancing rural connectivity and supporting local economies, the administration is set to repair and upgrade 18,944 kilometers of link roads, out of the total 64,878 kilometers. This ambitious project comes with a substantial financial commitment of ₹3,459.95 crore and represents a significant step toward comprehensive rural development.

Link roads play a crucial role in Punjab’s daily transportation needs and economic framework, especially in connecting agricultural regions to marketplaces and towns. Recognizing this, the government has prioritized the timely renovation of roads that have exceeded their six-year life span. In a bid to ensure long-term sustainability, construction firms involved in the project will be held responsible for the maintenance of these roads for a period of five years post-construction.

One of the key highlights of the initiative is the administration’s firm stand against corruption, which has historically plagued road construction tenders. Previously, such projects were marred by favoritism and backdoor deals, resulting in poor quality and inflated costs. However, under the current governance, these practices have been decisively eliminated. The focus has shifted to transparency, accountability, and quality delivery.

To streamline execution and avoid bureaucratic delays, the government plans to establish a coordination committee that will include the Mandi Board, Public Works Department (PWD), and road contractors. This collaborative structure is expected to expedite decision-making and resolve on-ground challenges efficiently. Moreover, local Panchayats will play an important role in ensuring that roads are constructed with proper width and alignment to meet long-term transportation needs.

In a pioneering move, Punjab has become the first state to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its road planning and monitoring systems. The use of AI has already produced tangible results—540 kilometers of phantom roads, which existed only on paper, have been identified and removed from project estimates. This discovery alone has saved the state ₹226.89 crore.

Moving forward, no construction will begin unless all basic infrastructure, such as sewerage lines and electric wiring, is in place. To further enforce quality control, a Third-Party Techno-Financial Audit will be mandated for every project.

In addition to rural link roads, attention is being given to roads used in mining operations. The government has allocated ₹266.27 crore for widening 78 key mining-related roads. These roads will be expanded from 10 feet to 18 feet, covering a total stretch of 389.17 kilometers. This enhancement is expected to ease the movement of mining-related transportation and contribute to overall logistical efficiency.

Through this multi-faceted initiative, the Punjab government has reiterated its commitment to building a robust and corruption-free infrastructure framework. By combining technology, transparency, and accountability, the state is paving the way for a more connected and economically vibrant Punjab.

CM’S QUOTE

“Link roads are the arteries of economic growth in the state as they help the people residing in rural areas to commute on one hand and give impetus to trade and business on the other.”
Bhagwant Singh Mann, CM, Punjab