Chandigarh, April 23: Setting the wheels in motion for construction of high quality link roads, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday launched first of its kind initiative for construction of quality roads to facilitate the people of the state. CM’s strong warning: no contractor will face bribe demands now”

Historic Move: Punjab Govt to Repair 18,944 KM Village Roads

Addressing the gathering during an interactive session Sadak Dhaancha Vikas Milni here at local Tagore Theatre, the Chief Minister said that such function is being organized for the first time in the history of the state and is aimed at ensuring quality construction of roads. He said that there is a stretch of 64878 kilometers link roads in the state and the Punjab government is starting a project of repair and upgradation of 18944 kilometers long link roads on which Rs 3459.95 crore is being spent. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the main motive of the campaign is to facilitate the people as these Link Roads act as a catalyst in commuting and smooth transportation of the goods and services to people. The Chief Minister said that these link roads are the arteries of economic growth in the state as they help the people residing in rural areas to commute on one hand and give impetus to trade and business on the other. Bhagwant Singh Mann underlined the need for construction of these roads at the earliest as majority of them have remained unattended even after passing their life of six years. He said that the company constructing the road will be responsible for the maintenance of these roads for five years.

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Taking a jibe on the rampant corruption prevalent earlier in construction of roads, the Chief Minister said that this is unwarranted and undesirable. He said that earlier there was a share of those in higher and lower echelons of power in the tenders for construction of roads. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in such a dismissal situation the contractors had to compromise with the quality of roads. However, the Chief Minister said that now this corrupt practice has come to an end so the contractors must focus on the quality of roads to be constructed. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his predecessors never paid heed to words of public because they only listened to their relatives, adding that he has full knowledge of grass root level. He announced that a coordination committee will be constituted amongst the Mandi Board, PWD Department and contractors so as to resolve all the issues in construction of roads.

CM Mann’s Strict Warning While Launching 18,944 KM Road Repair Project”

The Chief Minister said that if any officer indulges in corrupt activity then strict action will be taken against them. He asked the contractors to construct the roads in missionary mode as these roads were the lifeline of the people residing in rural areas. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Panchayats will be asked to ensure proper width of the roads to facilitate construction of these roads. The Chief Minister said that, for the first time in the state’s history, his government has introduced Artificial Intelligence. This integration is into the working of the state government. He added that due to its usage, the government has saved Rs 226.89 crore merely in estimates of roads. This discovery was made as 540 kilometres of roads, which existed only on paper, have been detected. He said that the work of laying the sewerage system and wires should be completed well before constructing the roads. Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that a Third Party Techno Financial Audit will be conducted. This will ensure a proper quality check over the construction of roads.

Rs 266.27 crore will be spent on construction

The Chief Minister said that the state government has enhanced the width of 78 link roads used for Mining. The roads were widened from 10 feet to 18 feet. Rs 266.27 crore will be spent on construction and widening of these 389.17 kilometre roads. He expressed that it is a matter of immense pride. He takes satisfaction in the fact that the marketing system of the state is considered the best across the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann bemoaned that the Union government had stalled funds worth Rs 6857 crore. These funds were under the Rural Development Fund. He complained because the earlier government had diverted the funds under the scheme. The Chief Minister said that they are vehemently flagging this case with the Government of India. The government has also reduced the Marketing Development Fee from 3% to 2%. Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that when he took office, only 21% of canal water was used for irrigation. However, he said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction. Today, 75% of the canal water is being used for irrigation purposes. The target is to take it to 80%.

state Government has launched a first of its kind initiative in the country

The Chief Minister said that after assuming charge, his government has revived 15947 water courses in the state. As a result, water has reached the tail ends even in the remotest villages. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is making concerted efforts to rejuvenate the health system. It is also working on rejuvenating the education system in the state. He said that previously sending his child to government school was the compulsion of the common man. Now it will be his wish to do so because the education system is being revamped. The Chief Minister said that the state Government has launched a first of its kind initiative in the country. It is a dedicated Sadak Surakhya Force. This force ensures enhanced security and aims to save precious lives on state and National Highways. He stated that the force consists of specially trained, freshly recruited 1597 personnel, including girls. They act as the backbone of this force. These personnel have been provided with the latest, fully equipped 144 vehicles. Since its launch in February last year, the state has witnessed a 48.10% reduction in casualties due to accidents. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that several other states have praised this initiative. Even the Government of India has hailed it as an out-of-the-box initiative of the state government. On the occasion, Cabinet Ministers Gurmeet Singh Khudian and Harbhajan Singh ETO were present. Chairman Punjab Mandi Board Harchand Singh Barsat and Secretary Mandi Board Ramvir also attended. Secretary Agriculture Basant Garg and others were there as well.