Patiala, March 30: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday launched a major development drive in the Sanaur constituency of Patiala, inaugurating infrastructure and irrigation projects worth ₹114 crore. The initiative includes ₹87 crore for the comprehensive renovation of regional roads and ₹27 crore for the concrete lining of the Ghaggar-Rajbaha and Sekhpur-Bahadarpur minors.
The Chief Minister stated that the new irrigation projects will provide water to 40,066 acres of land across 83 villages, a significant increase from the previous coverage of 21,050 acres. He affirmed that the state government successfully secured Punjab’s rightful 25 percent share of Bhakra canal water from Haryana through a legal battle, ensuring farmers receive their due resources.
Addressing the gathering, Mann asserted that the era of substandard construction is over. He noted that all new road projects now carry a mandatory five-year maintenance clause. Under these terms, contractors are held liable for any damage, with penalties including withheld payments and blacklisting for future government contracts.
“The pace of Punjab’s development is back on track and gaining momentum every day,” the Chief Minister declared. He maintained that the Patiala-Pehowa road would be upgraded to a four-lane highway to facilitate smoother traffic flow toward Delhi.
The Chief Minister also noted that the state has embarked on the largest road construction project in its history, aiming to build 44,920 km of roads at a total cost of ₹16,209 crore. He affirmed that these efforts are designed to boost rural infrastructure and provide better mobility for the common man.
