Chandigarh, March 26: The Punjab government has allocated ₹5,983 crore in the 2025-26 budget for the comprehensive facelift of cities, with major reforms planned in Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and SAS Nagar (Mohali), Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh announced on Wednesday.
“The budget will drive massive infrastructure improvements, transforming roads, footpaths, electricity systems, traffic and street lights, water supply, and bus stands to ensure seamless and eco-friendly urban mobility,” he said.
As part of the first phase, the four major cities will undergo holistic development, including world-class road infrastructure.
“The budget earmarks ₹140 crore to build and maintain these roads according to international standards, with contractors responsible for their upkeep for the next 10 years,” Dr. Singh said, adding that renowned architects will be hired to design the roads.
The minister said footpaths will be built uniformly across all cities without obstructions, while road lanes will be marked to stipulated standards and repainted every three months. “A uniform blueprint will be followed for city roads, ensuring consistent width and removing traffic bottlenecks,” he added.
To further strengthen urban infrastructure, the budget allocates ₹225 crore for the Punjab Municipal Development Fund and ₹300 crore under the Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project (PMSIP).
“These funds will enhance sanitation, water supply, sewerage systems, roads, and street lighting in 166 towns, covering nearly 40% of the state’s urban population,” Dr. Singh said.
The budget also proposes procuring 347 e-buses to promote affordable, efficient, and environment-friendly public transport, reducing dependence on private vehicles
