Punjab PWD Achieves Milestones with Significant Budget Hike and Infrastructure Development in 2024
Infrastructure Expansion – Road Development, Connectivity, and Public Services Enhanced
The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Public Works and Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, has made significant strides in 2024 with remarkable achievements in infrastructure development. With a 46% increase in the budget, rising from ₹1425.76 Crore to ₹2072 Crore for the fiscal year 2024-25, the Public Works Department (PWD) has successfully expedited and completed key projects across the state.
The PWD has completed 643 kilometers of Plan Roads out of a target of 740 kilometers, at a cost of ₹367.53 Crore. These roads are crucial for improving inter-state and inter-district connectivity, including key roads like the Ludhiana-Malerkotla-Sangrur (State Highway-11), Ludhiana Southern Bypass, Sardulgarh-Mansa Road to Talwandi Sabo via Jatana Kalan-Kusla, and Patiala-Gulha Cheeka Road. Several other roads are also near completion, including Bhawanigarh-Nabha-Gobindgarh and Rupnagar-Sri Chamkaur Sahib-Neelon-Doraha.
A standout project in 2024 was the commencement of the 4-laning of the Patiala-Sirhind road, aimed at significantly improving regional connectivity. The project was launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann during the Vyapar Milni at Patiala and is expected to ease traffic congestion and boost accessibility.
In addition to road development, the PWD has allocated ₹532.50 Crore for the construction of 33 Road Over Bridges (RoBs), Road Under Bridges (RuBs), and major bridges on Plan Roads. This ensures smooth traffic flow across key routes. Looking forward, the department plans to invest ₹1967 Crore in 2056 kilometers of Plan Roads for the fiscal year 2025-26.
The PWD has also made strides in enhancing healthcare and educational infrastructure. It has completed the construction of 400 Aam Aadmi Clinics at a cost of ₹80 Crore, now operational and serving the public. In healthcare, the department is constructing medical colleges in Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala, alongside 18 Critical-care Blocks and 18 Integrated Public Health Laboratories in Civil Hospitals, with an investment of ₹370 Crore.
In the education sector, the PWD has worked to improve school infrastructure, completing 10 out of 19 Schools of Eminence, with the remaining schools under development. These initiatives align with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of providing quality education to every student in Punjab.
Additionally, the PWD has taken measures to reduce travel costs for the public by halting toll collection at 18 toll plazas, saving commuters ₹225 Crore during the year.
Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to continue its focus on infrastructure development and public services, ensuring a prosperous future for the state. The PWD’s 2024 accomplishments underscore the department’s dedication and hard work, setting a foundation for continued progress in the years to come.