CM Mann conducts surprise inspection of under-construction roads, orders action if deficiencies are found:

News Topical, Digital Desk : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today ordered a show-cause notice be issued against the contractor and all payments to him immediately after irregularities were found in the construction of the Ritkhedi Link Road in Patiala district. It is worth noting that the Chief Minister inspected three under-construction roads today, finding two of them to be in good order, while one was found to be defective.

Arriving for a surprise inspection of an under-construction road, the Chief Minister expressed his displeasure over the non-compliance with prescribed standards after taking road samples. He directed officials to issue a show-cause notice to the contractor and immediately stop his payments. Bhagwant Singh Mann also inspected the under-construction Patiala-Sirhind road in Patiala district and directed officials to have the road samples laboratory tested. He also inspected the Roorkee-Reuna Planain road in Fatehgarh Sahib district.

" This surprise check will continue in the coming days as well ."

The Chief Minister stated that the purpose of these inspections of under-construction roads is to assess the quality of roads being built across the state. He added that the state government is spending a significant amount of money, so this campaign has been launched to ensure the construction of high-quality roads in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that he will continue these surprise inspections in the coming days as he is fully committed to ensuring that public funds are used properly.

The Chief Minister stated that this surprise inspection was conducted to ensure that funds allocated for road construction were spent wisely and that the roads were built with the best materials. He added that all relevant departments had been directed to ensure proper coordination so that sewerage lines, drinking water pipes, fiber, and all other work were completed before road construction. Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that this would minimize damage to newly constructed roads across the state, ensuring rational use of public funds.

' Assured of strict action '

Making a strong appeal to the people, the Chief Minister urged them to personally monitor the ongoing road construction work, as it is their own property. He said that the public should monitor the work and bring any irregularities to the attention of the state government. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured the strictest action against contractors who are negligent in their work.

The Chief Minister said it was a matter of great pride and satisfaction that the government had launched the largest road construction project in the state's history, with a target of constructing 44,920 kilometers of roads at a total cost of ₹16,209 crore. He stated that by the end of next year, the state government would have constructed 44,920 kilometers of roads in all villages, towns, and cities of Punjab at a total cost of ₹16,209 crore. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a five-year maintenance contract has been attached to the construction of all these roads, ensuring world-class road safety standards as well as high quality standards.

The Chief Minister stated that this initiative aims to provide better roads and strengthen rural infrastructure in the state. He said that the state government has already initiated construction of 19,373 kilometers of rural link roads at a total cost of ₹4,092 crore. He added that the widespread devastation caused by floods this year had caused extensive damage to roads in many areas, so the state government has worked hard on this project. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a five-year maintenance clause has been added to ongoing road projects to ensure long-term road performance. Additionally, road signs, road markings, signage, and world-class safety standards will be ensured.

The Chief Minister stated that he is fully committed to providing better services to the people of Punjab. As part of this initiative, the Punjab government has involved several agencies, including the PMB, PWD, urban local bodies, and public representatives in this comprehensive state-wide campaign. He added that the state government has conducted a detailed survey of all roads in Punjab and identified those that need repair and upgrade. Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the state government has now set a target of constructing 44,920 kilometers of roads by the end of next year at a total cost of ₹16,209 crore.

Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Chief Minister's Flying Squad is constantly monitoring the quality of roads and, after receiving numerous complaints of the use of substandard materials, the contracts of some contractors have been cancelled. The Chief Minister warned that if any contractor or employee is found to be involved in shoddy work, the strictest action will be taken against them. He said that the state government is fully committed to ensuring the rational use of taxpayer funds and no stone will be left unturned in this endeavor.