Punjab Govt to construct 44,920-km road

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday said the Punjab government will construct 44,920 km of road stretches in the state with an outlay of Rs 16,209 crore.

 Addressing mediapersons here, Mann claimed this would be the biggest ever road project undertaken by the state, adding that tenders will be issued in this regard. The project includes the construction of 2,829 km of Public Works Department (PWD) roads and 18,545 km of rural link roads, at a total cost of Rs 7,727 crore.

 Additionally, 22,291 km of road stretches under the Punjab Mandi Board, and 1,255 km of urban roads under various civic bodies will be constructed at a cost of Rs 7,697 crore and Rs 785 crore, respectively, he said.

A total sum of Rs 16,209 crore will be spent on constructing quality roads across the state, Mann said, adding that he has directed contractors not to compromise on the quality of materials and work.

He further said villages will pass resolutions stating they are satisfied with the materials used for the roads, and only then money will be released.

Mann said contractors who will get tenders will have to maintain the roads for five years.