Punjab Govt Allocates ₹140 Crore for Road Upgrades in Three Cities.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday announced a ₹140 crore urban development project aimed at upgrading 42 kilometers of road infrastructure in Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar.

The project will include the construction of pedestrian-friendly footpaths, landscaping to reduce dust pollution, and realignment of streetlights, bus stops, and water-supply lines for improved aesthetics and functionality.

To ensure long-term sustainability, contractors responsible for developing the roads will also maintain them for the next ten years. Roads will feature designated lanes for various vehicles, with lane markings refreshed every three months. The project will also enhance drainage and sewerage systems, ensuring durable roads with proper signage for commuters.

The redevelopment will focus on eliminating traffic bottlenecks, maintaining uniform road width, and strengthening drainage systems to prevent damage. The initiative will be rolled out in three phases—first, a four-month design phase involving top urban planners and international experts; second, an eight-month construction period adhering to global standards; and finally, a decade-long maintenance plan backed by mechanized cleaning using advanced equipment.

Amritsar will see upgrades on 17.5 km of roads across seven stretches, Ludhiana on 12.4 km, and Jalandhar on 12.3 km. Cheema noted that the initiative could be expanded to other cities based on its success and public feedback.

He emphasized that previous governments lacked the vision for such a project, drawing comparisons with urban planning abroad. He also highlighted the AAP government’s streetscaping initiatives in Delhi, which introduced pedestrian pathways, cycle tracks, benches, and green spaces to enhance public infrastructure.

ET