PATIALA, Oct 27 — The Chief Minister’s Flying Squad on Monday collected samples from the newly constructed Hiana Khurd–Mandaur Ajnauda road in Patiala district following reports of deterioration shortly after completion.
The squad, constituted to ensure quality standards in road construction across Punjab, inspected the 2.5-km stretch built by the local market committee. The inspection was based on a report submitted by the Nodal Volunteer Team working under Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh in the Patiala Rural constituency.
Dr. Balbir Singh said the team had received complaints about the condition of the road, prompting the inspection. “If any negligence by the contractor comes to light, responsibility of both the contractor and the concerned officials will be fixed and action will be taken,” he said.
He added that the chief minister has directed all departments, including the Public Works Department and the Mandi Board, to maintain strict quality control. “Every agency constructing a road has also been made responsible for its repair for the next five years,” the minister said.
The volunteer team, which routinely inspects development works in the constituency and seeks public feedback, had found that portions of the Hiana Khurd–Mandaur Ajnauda road showed signs of damage soon after completion.
Superintending Engineer Manpreet Dua of the Public Works Department’s Construction Circle, Patiala, who is part of the flying squad, said samples were collected for laboratory testing. “Three samples have been taken, which will now be sent for examination. The contractor and agency concerned have been instructed to make necessary repairs in a time-bound manner,” Dua said.
Dr. Singh said the state government has put in place “robust arrangements” to prevent the use of substandard materials in any public development project. “There is zero tolerance for poor-quality work. Any lapse will be met with accountability,” he noted.
