Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is on a visit to Delhi today, where he met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. The Chief Minister described the meeting as highly positive and said several key infrastructure proposals were discussed and approved.
Mann said that Punjab had requested ₹170 crore from the CRIF (Central Road and Infrastructure Fund), but the Centre has assured ₹400 crore instead. He added that multiple road and infrastructure projects have also received approvals during the meeting.
The Chief Minister further said that issues such as the attack on singer Diljit Dosanjh’s manager’s residence are unfortunate and should not be politicised. He also stressed that politics should not cross limits and target individuals in such a manner.
On the NEET paper leak issue, Mann said that the central government must take the matter seriously and act responsibly. He also spoke about repeated death threats received by him, stating that such incidents have happened before as well, but his government remains committed to serving Punjab.
Mann is also scheduled to meet Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan later in the day.
Major Infrastructure Decisions Announced
During the meeting, Mann highlighted the long-pending Vallah flyover project in Amritsar, which has been stalled for years. He said delays have caused difficulties in connectivity between the airport, Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), and movement of military vehicles. The Union Minister has reportedly directed officials to prioritise its completion.
He also raised concerns regarding the Bhawanigarh flyover on the Zirakpur–Bathinda highway, where the city stretch creates traffic congestion. Instructions have been issued to prepare estimates and expedite construction.
The Ferozepur–Fazilka highway will be upgraded and declared a National Highway, Mann said. He added that several other road projects have also been approved, including:
Bhawanigarh–Kotshamir road to be developed as a four-lane highway
Banga to Sri Anandpur Sahib road project approved
Barnala–Bajakhana link road discussed for four-laning
Malerkotla–Barnala road to be upgraded to four lanes
Makhhu overbridge work to speed up after forest clearance issues
Adampur overbridge construction to be fast-tracked
He further stated that contractors will receive payments through bank guarantees, ensuring faster project execution.
“Will Build All Roads and Bridges,” Says CM
CM Mann said Punjab’s share under CRIF funds is being actively utilised for road and infrastructure development. He also appreciated the performance of the State Road Safety Force (SSF), noting that similar models are being considered in other states by the Centre.
He assured full cooperation from Punjab’s side for central projects and said there are minimal land acquisition disputes, with only a few pending cases that will be resolved through arbitration by ensuring fair compensation to farmers.
Remarks on Politics and Punjab’s Future
Reacting to political issues, Mann said such incidents should not be politicised. He also commented on attempts to influence public figures and stated that internet and entertainment should remain free from political interference.
On NEET and education, he said reforms are needed and mentioned that some leaders, including RSS representatives, have also supported reforms in the system.
The Chief Minister reiterated his vision of a “Rangla Punjab,” stating that the goal is to strengthen education and employment opportunities in the state to prevent brain drain. He also highlighted that three girls from Punjab topped recent results, calling it a positive sign for the state’s future.
