TARN TARAN, Oct 4 — Punjab’s villages are set to witness a major transformation as Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated a massive rural road development project here, aiming to connect the state’s farthest corners with 19,491 kilometers of upgraded and newly constructed link roads.
“This is not just about laying roads; these are pathways to prosperity for every farmer, trader, student, and resident,” Mann said. “When strong roads reach every village, only then will prosperity and progress arrive. This caravan is not going to stop, because this is Mann Sahab’s guarantee.”
The initiative, costing Rs 4,150.42 crore, includes construction, repair, and maintenance of these roads over the next five years. E-tendering and AI-based surveys were used to ensure transparency and strengthen work quality, resulting in savings of Rs 383.53 crore, officials said.
The project is expected to reshape rural life across Punjab. Farmers will benefit from faster and safer transport of crops to markets, ensuring fair prices while saving time and effort. In addition, those affected by floods will receive Rs 20,000 per acre in compensation — the highest in the country — reflecting the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare.
Road safety has been prioritized, with white edge strips to reduce fog-related accidents, zebra crossings near schools and public spaces, and signboards installed every two kilometers to guide travelers.
The roads are also expected to boost trade and industrial activity near villages, creating new employment opportunities for rural youth. Officials noted that better connectivity will reduce the distance between villages and cities, making schools, colleges, hospitals, and marketplaces more accessible.
Mann also used the occasion to criticize opposition leaders. “Traditional parties are now stuck in jealousy and envy,” he said, referring to those who, in his view, previously pushed Punjab’s youth toward drugs. He condemned old claims by Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal, asserting that the government is focused on tangible development rather than politics.
Punjab currently has 30,237 link roads spanning 64,878 kilometers. Of these, 33,492 kilometers are under the Punjab Mandi Board and 31,386 kilometers under the Public Works Department. The new project includes the repair and upgradation of 7,373 link roads.
By launching the project from Tarn Taran, the Mann government signaled its commitment to rural development and public trust, ahead of upcoming bypolls. Officials said the initiative will bring visible change to daily life in villages, with faster access to essential services, improved crop prices, and new economic opportunities.
With this ambitious undertaking, Punjab is positioning itself as a model of rural development, showing that progress is not limited to cities but can be tangibly felt in every village and by every citizen.
