Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday, 19 June laid the foundation stone of the 37.93-km Dhussi Bund Link Road project in Jalandhar district, sanctioning ₹61.82 crore to deliver a permanent fix to the decades-old flood threat along the Sutlej river belt. The dual-purpose infrastructure will serve as both a road corridor and a reinforced flood-protection embankment, directly benefiting residents of nearly 15 villages in the Shahkot and Lohian regions.

What the Project Covers

The link road will connect the Shahkot-Moga-Rampur Road with the Gidderpindi Dhussi Bund, running along the Sutlej riverbank for its entire 37.93-km stretch. At its southern end, it will link the Lohian-Makhu Road, functioning as an effective bypass and easing pressure on existing congested routes. Approximately 15,000–16,000 residents are expected to benefit from improved daily connectivity once the road is operational.

Flood Protection at the Core

The Shahkot and Lohian belts have faced recurring inundation during the monsoon season for decades, leaving villages isolated and farmers stranded. By constructing the road directly atop the Dhussi Bund embankment, the project simultaneously strengthens the flood barrier along the Sutlej. Mann noted he had personally witnessed the hardships of communities cut off during the rainy season, calling the project 'a strong shield against flood-related risks for the local population.'

What the Chief Minister Said

'Our government has sanctioned ₹61.82 crore for this major infrastructure project. People residing in Shahkot and Lohian regions have lived under the constant threat of floods for decades. Previous governments made tall promises during elections, but neglected the basic infrastructure needs of this rural belt,' Mann said while addressing the gathering. He emphasised that his administration 'believes in delivering results, not merely making false promises.'

Broader Infrastructure Push

The project is part of Punjab's ongoing drive to upgrade rural road networks and expand flood resilience infrastructure. Rajya Sabha MP Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal was among the dignitaries present at the foundation-stone ceremony. During the monsoon months, the completed road is expected to ensure uninterrupted movement for farmers, school buses, and the general public — a connectivity gap that has persisted for years in this rural corridor.

What Comes Next

Construction is set to commence following the formal foundation laying. With the monsoon season approaching, the project's completion will be closely watched by communities that have endured annual flood disruptions. The road's dual function — as transport artery and embankment reinforcement — positions it as a template for flood-prone rural infrastructure in the state.