Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO has directed PWD officers to strictly follow norms during bidding processes and maintain the highest quality standards in executing infrastructure projects. He also stressed the urgency of expediting state revenue collection from access fees levied on commercial establishments such as petrol pumps along roads and ensuring proper record-keeping.
The directives were issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the minister to review the progress of major infrastructure projects and outline strategies for future development. The meeting was attended by Secretary PWD Ravi Bhagat, along with Chief Engineers and Superintending Engineers of PWD B&R.
During the meeting, the minister reviewed achievements against budgetary allocations and the actual execution of work at project sites. He urged officers to expedite the completion of ongoing projects, meet all physical and financial targets, and adhere to timelines without compromising quality.
The PWD team reported that 22 state roads, spanning a total of 745 kilometers, are being upgraded under long-term maintenance contracts worth Rs 532 crore. Key roads under development include Bhawanigarh-Mehlan Chowk, Patran-Moonak, Gharaun-Ambala, Zira-Ferozepur, Old Morinda Road, Mukerian-Talwara-Mubarikpur, and Dakha-Halwara-Raikot-Barnala. These upgrades aim to enhance road infrastructure and improve transportation across the state.
Additionally, funds for Link road projects are expected to be disbursed soon by the Punjab Mandi Board, with work on these roads set to begin shortly.
Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO reaffirmed the Punjab Government's commitment, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's leadership, to improving state infrastructure with a focus on quality, efficiency, and timely completion of all projects.