Is the CM Flying Squad Ensuring Quality in Punjab's Road Construction?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CM Flying Squad monitors road quality in Punjab.
- Project covers 19,491 km of link roads.
- Investment of Rs 4,150 crore for upgrades.
- AI technology has saved Rs 383.53 crore.
- New safety measures being implemented.
Chandigarh, Oct 31 (NationPress) Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian announced on Friday that the CM Flying Squad, established by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is actively overseeing the quality of roads being reconstructed and upgraded by the Punjab Mandi Board and the Public Works Department. This initiative aims at monitoring the ongoing improvements of rural link roads throughout the state.
This effort is part of the state government's ambitious project to repair and upgrade 19,491 km of link roads, with a budget of Rs 4,150 crore.
Minister Khuddian emphasized that only the highest quality materials are being utilized for the roadwork, warning that stringent actions will be taken against any contractor found cutting corners on material quality.
The CM Flying Squad teams are currently operational and have already surveyed seven districts: Faridkot, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Tarn Taran, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Jalandhar, Patiala, and Gurdaspur.
He elaborated that there are a total of 30,237 link roads in Punjab, spanning a cumulative length of 64,878 km. Out of these, 33,492 km fall under the Punjab Mandi Board, while 31,386 km are managed by the Public Works Department.
Minister Khuddian further stated that the government is initiating a project to repair and upgrade 7,373 link roads, covering a total length of 19,491.56 km.
The project is estimated to cost Rs 4,150.42 crore, which includes five years of maintenance. Specifically, Rs 3,424.67 crore will be allocated for repairs and upgrades, while Rs 725.75 crore will go towards five-year maintenance.
Through an innovative artificial intelligence survey, the project has achieved savings of Rs 383.53 crore, according to the Minister.
To enhance public safety during fog or low-light conditions, a special road safety project is being rolled out for the repaired link roads, with an investment of Rs 91.83 crore.
A three-inch-wide white strip will be painted along both sides of the link roads to promote safer travel during fog or darkness, as noted by the Minister.