Surprise Inspections: Punjab’s Mann Withholds Payments Over Road Quality Concerns
-Strict action against substandard work; appeals to public to monitor road construction
Patiala/Fatehgarh Sahib, December 11
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday carried out surprise inspections of three under-construction roads in Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib districts. Finding serious lapses in the ongoing work on the Reetkheri Link Road in Patiala, the CM immediately ordered:
- Issuance of show-cause notice to the contractor
- Withholding of all pending payments till further orders
During on-the-spot sampling, the stipulated weight and quality parameters were found violated. The CM directed officials to send samples of Patiala–Sirhind Road for lab testing and personally inspected the Rurki–Reona road in Fatehgarh Sahib district.
Speaking to the media, CM Bhagwant Mann said, “I am duty-bound to ensure every single paisa of public money is used properly. These surprise checks will continue across Punjab. No compromise on quality will be tolerated.”
He appealed to citizens to personally monitor road works in their areas, terming the roads “people’s property”, and assured strictest action against erring contractors and officials.
Biggest road-building drive in Punjab’s history The Chief Minister highlighted that the state government has launched the largest-ever road infrastructure programme:
- Target: 44,920 km of new/upgraded roads by end of 2026
- Total cost: ₹16,209 crore
- All contracts include mandatory 5-year maintenance clause
- World-class safety features: luminous markings, signages, etc.
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Already, work on 19,373 km of rural link roads worth ₹4,092 crore is underway. Despite massive flood damage this year, the government is fast-tracking restoration and new construction with enhanced quality and durability standards.
CM Mann added that the Chief Minister’s Flying Squad is continuously monitoring sites. Following complaints of substandard material, several contracts have already been terminated and strict action initiated.
“No contractor or employee found compromising quality will be spared. Taxpayers’ money will be protected at all costs,” the Chief Minister asserted.
