Punjab: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Wednesday, holding detailed discussions on key infrastructure and highway development projects in the state.
The Chief Minister described the meeting as positive, stating that several long-pending road and transport projects received strong support and financial assurances from the Centre.
Centre Assures ₹400 Crore Under CRIF for Punjab Projects
During the meeting, Punjab had sought around ₹170 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), but the Union government reportedly assured nearly ₹400 crore for ongoing and upcoming projects.
CM Mann said this enhanced allocation will accelerate road development and improve connectivity across the state.
Key Roads to Be Upgraded into Four-Lane Highways
A major highlight of the discussions was the upgradation of important road corridors into four-lane highways, including:
- Bhawanigarh–Kot Shamir road
- Malerkotla–Barnala road
- Barnala–Bajakhana road corridor
These upgrades are expected to improve regional connectivity and ease transportation across Punjab.
Ferozepur–Fazilka Road to Become National Highway
CM Mann also announced that the Ferozepur–Fazilka road is likely to be declared a National Highway and widened soon.
This development is expected to benefit border districts and enhance strategic connectivity for both civilians and security forces.
Valla Flyover Project in Amritsar to Be Fast-Tracked
The long-pending Valla flyover project in Amritsar, which connects key routes between the airport and Sri Darbar Sahib, will also be expedited.
Union Minister Gadkari reportedly directed officials to prioritise the project to reduce commuter inconvenience.
Road Safety Force Initiative Praised
Nitin Gadkari appreciated Punjab’s Road Safety Force initiative, suggesting it could serve as a model for other states to improve highway safety and emergency response systems.
Land Acquisition and Development Challenges Addressed
CM Mann said that only a few projects are facing land acquisition issues and assured that the state government will ensure fair compensation to farmers through arbitration mechanisms, enabling faster project execution.
CM Raises NEET Paper Leak and Security Concerns
During the meeting, CM Mann also raised national issues, including the NEET paper leak case, urging the Centre to take strict action to protect students’ futures.
He also expressed concern over recent security-related incidents, including threats and attacks linked to public figures, emphasizing that such matters should not be politicised.
About Punjab’s Infrastructure Development Push
The Punjab government is focusing on strengthening road connectivity, improving highway infrastructure, and accelerating stalled projects to boost economic growth, regional mobility, and border-area development under its long-term “Rangla Punjab” vision.
Read also: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Highlights Major Reforms in Irrigation, Power and Welfare at Shukrana Yatra
