Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday said that the Punjab Government has swiftly begun implementing the strategies outlined in the Badlda Punjab Budget within days of the budget's passage, as the government has issued tenders for the strengthening of 1,000 kilometers of rural roads, marking a significant step towards rural infrastructure development.

Addressing a press conference, Cheema said that the first phase of this project focuses on rural roads in the districts of Faridkot, SBS Nagar, Pathankot, and Barnala. He said that these roads, designed to be 10 meters wide, aim to enhance connectivity and improve transportation across the state.

 Highlighting a key reform, the Finance Minister said that the Government has extended the accountability of contractors. “Previously, contractors were liable for only a one-year warranty on the roads they constructed. Under the new mandate, contractors will now be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the roads for a period of five years. To ensure quality, a third-party audit will be conducted, and any discrepancies will result in recovery of funds, and blacklisting of the contractor”, he said, adding that the accountability of government officials overseeing these projects would also be enforced.

Cheema emphasized that the Badlda Punjab Budget for FY 2025-26, passed on March 27, includes a pledge to rebuild all broken rural link roads in the state. A record-breaking 18,944 kilometers of rural link roads will be constructed or upgraded within a single year, setting a new benchmark in Punjab's history, he added.

The Badlda Punjab Budget allocates ₹2,873 crore for the construction and upgradation of rural link roads by the Punjab Mandi Board in FY 2025-26.