How Have Floods Affected Punjab's Infrastructure?
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Synopsis
Recent floods have wreaked havoc on Punjab's infrastructure, damaging thousands of kilometers of roads and dozens of bridges. This report provides an in-depth look at the extent of the destruction and the urgent measures being implemented for repairs and restoration.
Key Takeaways
- 4,658 km of roads damaged.
- 68 bridges affected.
- Estimated repair cost: Rs 1,969.50 crore.
- Focus on urgent road conditions by NHAI.
- Surveying 2,800 villages for flood damage.
Chandigarh, Sep 17 (NationPress) The Punjab Public Works Minister, Harbhajan Singh ETO, revealed on Wednesday that the recent catastrophic floods have severely impacted 4,658 km of roads and 68 bridges across the state.
During a review meeting focused on the damage assessment, he reported that under Plan Roads, 19 bridges and 1,592.76 km of roads have been affected, along with R-walls and B-walls totaling 4,014.11 metres and 92 culverts.
For National Highways, the floods damaged four bridges and 49.69 km of roads, in addition to 2,559.5 metres of R-walls and B-walls and 14 culverts.
Link Roads have suffered substantial damage as well, with 45 bridges and 2,357.84 km of roads affected, alongside 3,282 metres of R-walls and B-walls and 376 culverts.
Additionally, 657.54 km of roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana have also been compromised.
The estimated cost to repair and restore the damaged infrastructure, including bridges, roads, R-walls, B-walls, and culverts, is around Rs 1,969.50 crore.
During the meeting, Harbhajan Singh instructed officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to enhance the condition of various roads immediately. He also urged them to accelerate projects that have yet to commence.
He expressed concern over persistent accidents due to delays in the repair of service roads adjacent to under-construction flyovers at Mallian, Tangra, and Daburji on the Amritsar-Jandiala stretch. He ordered the officials to complete this work promptly.
Additionally, he directed NHAI officials to tackle the ongoing traffic congestion beneath the Kharar flyover.
Furthermore, the meeting included discussions about an app-based survey initiated by the Punjab government to evaluate flood-related damages in nearly 2,800 villages. Notable attendees included Special Secretary PWD Hargun Jeet Kaur, Chief Engineers Gagandeep Singh, Vijay Kumar Chopra, Ramtesh Bains, Anil Gupta, NHAI Regional Officer Rakesh Kumar, and Project Director Aseem Bansal.
Point of View
It is crucial to prioritize transparency and factual reporting. The floods in Punjab not only highlight the vulnerability of infrastructure in the face of natural calamities but also the urgent need for strategic planning and readiness. The government's proactive measures are commendable, but sustained efforts are needed to ensure resilience against future disasters.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the extent of damage caused by the floods in Punjab?
The floods have damaged approximately 4,658 km of roads and 68 bridges in Punjab.
How much will it cost to repair the damaged infrastructure?
The estimated cost for repair and restoration is around Rs 1,969.50 crore.
What measures are being taken to address the damage?
Officials from the National Highways Authority of India have been directed to improve road conditions and expedite ongoing projects.
How many villages are being surveyed for flood damage?
An app-based survey is being conducted in nearly 2,800 villages to assess the flood-related damages.
What infrastructure projects are prioritized for repair?
Repairs for bridges, roads, R-walls, B-walls, and culverts are prioritized for immediate action.
