Punjab Government Unveils Ambitious Rs 140 Crore Street Redesign Project for Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar
Punjab’s Urban Overhaul: A Rs 140 Crore Project to Redesign City Streets
In a groundbreaking move aimed at transforming Punjab’s urban landscape, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema unveiled an ambitious Rs 140 crore project to redesign major streets in Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar. The initiative, which covers 42 kilometers of prominent city roads, is part of the Punjab Government’s broader efforts to bring the state’s urban infrastructure up to global standards.
Addressing the media at Punjab Bhawan on March 15, Finance Minister Cheema expressed confidence that the project will revolutionize urban development in the state, promising better roads, improved accessibility, and enhanced aesthetics. According to Cheema, the project will proceed in three phases, with the focus on design, construction, and long-term maintenance.
Transforming Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar with World-Class Infrastructure
The project will initially focus on three major cities in Punjab—Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar—where the most prominent roads will undergo a complete redesign. The aim is not just to fix traffic bottlenecks but to make the streets safer, more functional, and visually appealing.
- Amritsar will see a total of 17.5 kilometers of streets upgraded, including key roads like Majitha Road, Court Road, and GT Road. These areas, often congested with traffic, will undergo significant transformations to improve traffic flow and drainage systems.
- Ludhiana will witness the redesign of 12.4 kilometers of roads, including major thoroughfares like Old GT Road and Ghumar Mandi Road. These upgrades will enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the city’s busiest areas.
- Jalandhar will also benefit from the redevelopment of 12.3 kilometers of streets, including roads like HMV Road and Pathankot Road, which will be modernized with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Finance Minister Cheema emphasized that the project’s scope goes beyond just road construction. It includes the creation of accessible footpaths, better landscaping to combat dust pollution, and the realignment of essential services like streetlights, bus stands, and water supply lines to improve both the functionality and the aesthetic appeal of the streets.
A Comprehensive Plan: Three Phases of Urban Development
This ambitious project will roll out in three carefully planned phases:
- Phase 1: Design and Planning (4 months)
The first phase focuses on drafting detailed designs. Top urban planners and international experts will collaborate to create layouts that address traffic challenges, improve road widths, and integrate landscaping for better environmental sustainability. - Phase 2: Construction (8 months)
The second phase will involve the construction work, where leading construction agencies will bring the designs to life, following international standards. This stage will focus on transforming the streets with high-quality materials and sustainable construction techniques. - Phase 3: Maintenance (10 years)
A distinctive feature of the project is its long-term maintenance plan. The construction agencies responsible for the project will ensure regular upkeep of the streets for the next decade. This commitment to maintenance will promote accountability and ensure the infrastructure remains in excellent condition.
Addressing Punjab’s Urban Growth Challenges
In his address, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema criticized the lack of vision and political interest from previous state governments, including those led by the SAD-BJP alliance and Congress, for hindering Punjab’s urban growth. He argued that despite having access to some of the best engineers and architects, Punjab has failed to match the urban development seen in other parts of the world.
Cheema stated that this project, led by the AAP government, would not only improve the physical infrastructure of the cities but also enhance the overall urban experience for citizens. The redesign initiative, he added, would set a precedent for urban development in India and inspire other states to follow suit.
The Future of Punjab’s Urban Infrastructure
The Punjab government’s street redesign project is a monumental step toward modernizing the state’s urban infrastructure. By transforming key roads in Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar, the AAP government hopes to improve urban mobility, reduce pollution, and create visually appealing, accessible streetscapes that meet global standards.
This project is more than just an infrastructural upgrade; it represents a shift in how Punjab approaches urban development. With a commitment to long-term quality and sustainability, this initiative promises to reshape how the residents of Punjab interact with their cities, setting a new standard for urban planning in India.