In a strategic move to enhance urban facilities across Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday convened an impactful meeting in New Delhi with Commissioners from all Municipal Corporations of the state. Joined by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Mann underscored the Punjab Government’s commitment to adopt the “Delhi Model,” renowned for revolutionizing civic amenities in the capital.
The timing of this initiative is pivotal, as municipal elections for key cities — Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Amritsar, and Phagwara — are anticipated to be announced shortly, and the AAP-led Punjab Government is actively working to elevate the state's urban infrastructure.
The meeting was part of the knowledge-sharing agreement, established between Punjab and Delhi in 2022, allowing for the exchange of governance strategies between the two AAP-led administrations. Kejriwal, drawing from his experience in overhauling Delhi’s municipal services, provided insights on successful urban initiatives, such as waste management, efficient water distribution, street lighting, and advanced citizen services.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said: “The basic purpose of this meeting is to drive development in the municipal towns of Punjab and ensure that residents benefit from ultra-modern civic amenities similar to those in Delhi. We are leaving no stone unturned to provide these services, and with the expertise of the Delhi Government, we are on track to bring a new benchmark of citizen-centric services to Punjab’s cities.”
With elections approaching, Mann and Kejriwal outlined six priority areas for municipal officials to address — road repair, sanitation, street lighting, water supply, sewerage system improvements, and economic self-sufficiency for local bodies. Mann emphasized the role of artificial intelligence in these efforts, revealing plans to employ AI for tasks such as monitoring road conditions for potholes and dark spots in need of lighting.
“Our aim is to identify issues with precision, ensuring repairs and maintenance happen within set timelines for the benefit of city dwellers,” he added.
During the discussion, road repair and sanitation emerged as top concerns. Mann directed the officials to ensure cleaner streets, efficient waste disposal systems, and public safety through enhanced street lighting in crowded marketplaces and residential areas. Kejriwal shared Delhi’s approach to these issues, noting that public-private partnerships and community involvement have been instrumental in improving urban amenities in Delhi.
Clean drinking water and efficient sewer systems were highlighted as core objectives, with Punjab officials being advised to streamline water management to ensure reliable, potable water access for every household. Proper sewage disposal remains a priority to prevent health hazards and promote hygiene in densely populated areas. In line with the Delhi model, Punjab’s approach will involve sophisticated technological platforms to send real-time alerts to officials, ensuring prompt repairs within three hours for essential services like street lighting.
To fund these upgrades, the Punjab Government is exploring sustainable economic initiatives to help local bodies generate independent revenue. “The Delhi model’s emphasis on economic resilience will play a vital role in Punjab,” said Mann. “By creating self-sustaining municipalities, we aim to build financially stable cities capable of offering top-quality services without relying heavily on state resources,” he said.
The renewed focus on urban development comes at a crucial moment, as municipal elections for Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Amritsar, and Phagwara are expected soon. Adopting the Delhi model demonstrates the AAP Government’s intent to bring substantial improvements ahead of the polls, potentially giving the party an edge by showcasing visible urban enhancements to Punjab’s urban voters.
Observers have noted that this focus on urban development could be a strategic advantage for the ruling AAP, as improvements in civic facilities have long been a demand from Punjab's urban residents. By adopting a model proven successful in Delhi, the AAP leadership hopes to gain significant traction, particularly in urban areas where civic issues have frequently impacted daily life.
