North News
Chandigarh, December 31
Punjab’s Public Works Department (PWD) achieved significant milestones in 2024, bolstered by a 46% budget increase, Public Works and Power Minister Harbhajan Singh said on Monday. The budget allocation rose from ₹1,425.76 crore in 2023-24 to ₹2,072 crore for 2024-25.
Minister Singh highlighted that the enhanced funding allowed the PWD to allocate ₹560 crore for upgrading 740 kilometers of Plan Roads in 2024-25. Of these, 643 kilometers were completed at a cost of ₹367.53 crore, with the remaining projects underway. Key completed roads include the Ludhiana-Malerkotla-Sangrur State Highway, Ludhiana Southern Bypass, and Patiala-Gulha Cheeka Road.
“Additional projects nearing completion include Bhawanigarh-Nabha-Gobindgarh, Rupnagar-Sri Chamkaur Sahib-Neelon-Doraha, and Bathinda-Talwandi-Rori-Sardulgarh roads. The four-laning of the Patiala-Sirhind road, announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann at the Vyapar Milni in Patiala, is also progressing following necessary clearances,” the Minister said.
He further said that to enhance traffic flow, the PWD is constructing 33 Road Over Bridges (RoBs), Road Under Bridges (RuBs), and major bridges on Plan Roads at a cost of ₹532.50 crore. Looking ahead, ₹1,967 crore has been earmarked for developing 2,056 kilometers of Plan Roads in 2025-26, he added.
In healthcare infrastructure, the PWD completed 400 Aam Aadmi Clinics at a cost of ₹80 crore, all now operational. Tenders have been invited for constructing medical colleges in Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala. Additionally, 18 Critical-care Blocks and 18 Integrated Public Health Laboratories are under construction at Civil Hospitals, with an investment of ₹370 crore, he added.
Sharing details, he said that on the education front, the department is upgrading 19 Schools of Eminence, with 10 schools completed and work progressing on the rest. These initiatives aim to enhance educational infrastructure and provide quality education across Punjab. Travelers benefitted from the removal of toll collection at 18 toll plazas, saving ₹225 crore during the year, the minister said.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and public welfare, crediting the PWD’s achievements to the dedication of its staff. The department remains focused on building a prosperous Punjab.
