₹1,464 Crore Saved in 4 Years: Punjab PWD Targets 45,000 km Roads by Mid-2026
“Punjab Govt under Bhagwant Singh Mann committed to delivering a world-class road network”
Chandigarh, March 5,
The Punjab Public Works Department (PWD) has saved ₹1,464 crore over the last four years by implementing a transparent and scientific tendering system. Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO disclosed this today while highlighting the department’s efforts to make the tendering process more rational and efficient.
The minister announced that the Punjab government has set an ambitious target of constructing 45,000 km of roads across the state by June 30, 2026. This massive target includes:
- Construction of 4,700 km of new roads
- Widening and upgradation of existing roads
- Maintenance and repair works
A total of ₹16,209 crore will be invested to achieve this goal.
To maintain high-quality standards in all construction projects, continuous monitoring is being carried out by the Chief Minister’s Flying Squad. Additionally, daily review meetings are held at the district and circle levels to track progress on road construction and repair works.
Harbhajan Singh ETO pointed out that Punjab currently has a road density of 154 km per 100 sq km. Despite the Central Government withholding ₹8,800 crore in Road Development Funds (RDF) for a long time, the state government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is relentlessly working to provide the people with the best possible road infrastructure.
He emphasized that roads are the backbone of a state’s development and play a pivotal role in economic growth and connectivity.
In a major policy shift, the minister revealed that for all new roads being constructed now, the responsibility for maintenance and repairs will rest with the contractor for the next five years. This measure will:
- Reduce the long-term financial burden on the government
- Ensure better road quality and durability
- Save citizens from the inconvenience of poorly maintained or dilapidated roads
The minister reiterated the Punjab government’s firm commitment under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann to build a modern, reliable, and people-friendly road network across the state.
