Chandigarh, March 5 (Punjab khabarnama) :Describing the Punjab Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 as pro-people and development-oriented, Punjab Power and Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO expressed his gratitude towards Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema for their special focus on the development of road and power infrastructure in the state.
Mr. ETO highlighted the Mann Government’s commitment to providing free power, a promise fulfilled within three months of taking office in March 2022. With more than 90% of domestic consumers enjoying zero electricity bills, the budget ensures a continued allocation of Rs 7,780 crore to support this initiative. Additionally, the government has earmarked Rs 9,330 crore for subsidizing power to agriculture tubewells, reinforcing its support for the farming community.
The Minister underscored ongoing efforts to enhance the power infrastructure, including the imminent commissioning of a new 400 kV substation in Ropar and the strengthening of substations at Dhanansu, Behman Jassa Singh, and a 220 kV substation at Sherpur (Ludhiana), aimed at making Powercoms more efficient and cost-effective.
Mr. ETO also shed light on the government’s achievements in road development, with 805 km of roads and four bridges completed under PMGSY-III at a cost of Rs 400 crore. The budget allocates Rs 600 crore for PMGSY-III in FY 2024-25. Additionally, the Minister detailed the upgrades of 31 km of National Highways and 22 km of roads under the CRIF scheme with an expenditure of Rs 40 crore, alongside upgradation of 176 km of roads with an expenditure of Rs 199 crore under the state scheme, emphasizing the substantial Rs 2,695 crore outlay for roads and bridges in the budget 2024-25.
Expressing concern over the historical and spiritual Sri Anandpur Sahib region’s lack of proper connectivity, Mr. ETO appreciated the allocation of Rs 30 crore for constructing bridges between Khera Kalmot and Bhalladi, and Bela Dhyani and Ajauli, to improve travel and connectivity for the residents, marking a significant step towards the development of the region.