Chandigarh, March 15. The Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema made a significant move. He aims to revolutionize urban development in Punjab by unveiling an ambitious project. This project aims to develop world-class streets across the state’s cities.

More than Rs 140 crore will be spent on this development.

This groundbreaking initiative marks a historic first for Punjab, with its initial phase targeting three major cities—Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar. These cities will see the transformation of 42 kilometers of prominent streets. The redesign will result in meticulously designed urban spaces. More than Rs 140 crore will be spent on this development. The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema revealed this while addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan.He expressed confidence in the project’s potential. Cheema stated that they would extend it to all cities in Punjab based on the outcomes and public feedback. He said the project outlines four core activities that will redefine the city’s streetscape. Cheema said they will comprehensively redesign the roads. These changes aim to address traffic bottlenecks. The redesigns will ensure uniform road width. They will also enhance drainage systems to prevent recurring damage.

Project; Govt Launches Accessible Footpaths & 10-Year Road Maintenance Plan

“The initiative also includes the construction of universally accessible footpaths that are resilient and visually appealing. Landscaping complements these efforts to curb dust pollution. Authorities will realign streetlights, bus stands, and water-supply lines to improve aesthetics and functionality.Uniquely, the project includes a robust maintenance plan. The contractors developing the roads will ensure their upkeep for the next ten years. This promotes accountability and long-term quality,” said the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. Disclosing further, the Finance Minister said this initiative would roll out in three distinct phases. The first phase focuses on design, engaging top urban planners and international experts to draft detailed layouts over a four-month period. The second phase involves an eight-month construction period, during which leading construction agencies will bring these designs to life in accordance with international standards. The final phase ensures a decade-long maintenance commitment from the construction agencies, coupled with regular mechanized cleaning using advanced equipment.

Major Road Upgrades Planned for Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar

Roads in Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar have been carefully selected for this transformation. Amritsar will see upgradation on a total of 17.5 KMs long 7 stretches including Majitha Road (from Four S Chowk to Guru Nanak Hospital) 3km, Court Road (Rialto Chowk to Queens Road) 1km, Shubham Road outside Hall Gate (circular road that connects all gates) 7km, Amritsar cantonment road (Cantt chowk to Kachehri chowk to Rattan Singh chowk) 1.5 km, Race course road (Dasonda Singh road to Lawrence road to cooper road) 3km, Golbagh Road (from Hathi gate chowk to Bhagwan Parshuram chowk to wrestling stadium to Hall Gate) 1.5 km and GT Road (from Bhandari to Hall Gate) 0.5 km. Ludhiana’s project will span 12.4 kilometres, including roads such as Old GT Road (Sherpur chowk to Jagraon Bridge) – 6.5 km, Chaura Bazaar – Starting from clock tower – 1.7 km, and Ghumar Mandi road (from Fountain chowk to Aarti Cinema) – 4.2 km. Jalandhar’s streets, such as HMV Road (from Maqsudan Chowk to Jail Chowk) – 3.4km, Adarsh Nagar Road and Tanda Road (Jail Chowk to Pathankot Road via old city) – 1.4km, Pathankot Road (from old sabzi mandi chowk in the inner city to Pathankot Chowk) – 2.3km, Model Town main road (Guru Amardas chowk to Model Town T-junction chowk and Chunmunn chowk to Model Town T-junction chowk, Model Town T-junction to Shivani park exit) – 2km, and Nakodar-Jalandhar Road (from Wadala chowk to Nakodar Chowk) 3.2km, will also undergo significant upgrades over 12.3 kilometers.

Punjab’s Urban Overhaul: AAP’s Vision for World-Class Infrastructure

The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted the stark contrast between planned urban infrastructure abroad and Punjab’s streets. Despite having some of the best engineers and architects, Punjab has lagged. This is due to a lack of vision and intent of political interest by previous SAD-BJP and Congress-led state governments. The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said this initiative by the Aam Admi Party (AAP) led Punjab Government will set a precedent. It will change urban development in India. It will transform not just the physical landscapes of cities but also the way citizens experience urban life. This project focuses on excellence, innovation, and sustainability. It is poised to bring a much-needed overhaul to Punjab’s urban infrastructure. This will elevate it to world-class standards, he added.