Punjab CM’s ₹4,150 Crore Gift: Roads, Relief And Attacks On Rivals

Punjab News: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has announced a huge project worth ₹4,150 crore to repair and upgrade 19,491 kilometers of rural link roads. This includes 7,373 roads across the state, with contractors made responsible for five years of maintenance. Mann said rural connectivity is the lifeline of Punjab’s economy, helping farmers, traders, and daily commuters. By upgrading link roads, the government hopes to make villages stronger, markets more accessible, and transport smoother. The CM called it one of the most historic projects for rural Punjab.

Transparency through AI survey

To ensure fair use of funds, the government conducted an Artificial Intelligence survey before issuing tenders. This move helped save around ₹383 crore, proving that technology can bring transparency. The contracts were awarded through e-tendering, making the process clean and fair. For the first time, a road development meeting was held where officials and contractors were given strict directions to maintain quality. Every two kilometers, signboards will now display road details, costs, and agencies. This will help the public monitor progress directly.

Road safety made priority

The Chief Minister also launched a ₹91 crore road safety plan. To prevent accidents during fog and night travel, white lines will be painted on the road edges. Outside schools and public gathering spots, zebra crossings will be marked to ensure the safety of children and pedestrians. Signboards will be mandatory across rural roads to alert drivers. Mann said this is the first time such safety steps are being taken on such a large scale. He added that saving lives is as important as building roads.

Compensation for flood-hit farmers

Mann also focused on the massive destruction caused by recent floods in Punjab. Over 2,300 villages went underwater, 20 lakh people were affected, and five lakh acres of farmland were destroyed. Nearly 60 people died and lakhs were displaced from their homes. To support farmers, the government will give ₹20,000 per acre as crop loss compensation, the highest in India. Mann said schools, colleges, hospitals, and bridges were also badly damaged. He promised every family that the government will stand with them until recovery is complete.

Attacks on political rivals

In his speech, Mann hit out at opposition leaders, especially Sukhbir Singh Badal of the Akali Dal. He accused them of looting Punjab and ignoring basic needs like roads and schools. He said the same leaders who ruled for decades now make tall promises but failed to deliver earlier. Mann said many leaders know little about Punjab, Punjabi language, or Punjabi culture because they studied away from the state. He stressed that these politicians never cared for common people’s struggles.

Tough stand against drugs

Mann spoke strongly against those who pushed Punjab’s youth into drugs. He accused powerful politicians of protecting drug mafias and even transporting drugs in government vehicles. He said several such figures are already in jail. Mann called them responsible for “destroying an entire generation” and vowed to show no mercy. He said his government will not spare anyone who supported the drug trade, no matter how high their status. The CM called this a fight for the future of Punjab.

People’s faith in change

The Chief Minister ended his address by thanking Punjabis for trusting the Aam Aadmi Party in 2022. He said people rejected old political families because they failed the state. Mann promised his government will keep working for farmers, workers, and youth instead of the privileged few. From free surplus power to road development, he said Punjab is writing a new chapter. He told people this government belongs to them, not to the elite. Mann pledged to keep delivering on every promise.