Punjab Govt Issues Tenders to Upgrade 1,000 km of Rural Roads: Minister Cheema.
In a significant step toward infrastructure development under the state’s 2025–2026 budget, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema recently announced the opening of contracts for the upgrading of 1,000 km of rural roads around the state. The project’s initial phase would focus on important districts including Faridkot, SBS Nagar, Pathankot, and Barnala, Cheema told the media. It is anticipated that the roads, which are intended to be 10 meters wide, will greatly improve rural communities’ communication and transportation.
In a notable reform, the state government has extended contractor accountability from one year to five years for road maintenance. A third-party audit mechanism will also be introduced to ensure quality, with penalties and blacklisting for non-compliance. Government officials overseeing these projects will also be held accountable, Cheema added. The initiative is part of the ‘Badlda Punjab Budget’, passed on March 27, which includes a promise to rebuild all damaged rural link roads. A record 18,944 km of such roads will be constructed or upgraded within a single year—an unprecedented milestone in Punjab’s history.
Cheema took a swipe at previous administrations for delaying development until the end of their terms, contrasting that with the AAP-led government’s swift post-budget action. “The quick rollout of tenders shows our commitment to delivering results, not empty promises,” he said.
The improved road infrastructure is expected to ease travel, boost the rural economy, and facilitate faster transport of agricultural produce. The Punjab Mandi Board has been allocated ₹2,873 crore in the 2025–26 budget for this initiative.
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