Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Unveils Major Infrastructure Initiative in Sanaur
In a significant move to bolster rural infrastructure, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has launched a comprehensive development offensive in the Sanaur constituency. The initiative, announced at a large public gathering on Monday, aims to transform the region's agricultural and transportation landscape with a substantial investment of ₹114 crore.
Drought-Proofing Farmland and Road Network Overhaul
The core of this package targets two critical areas: enhancing irrigation and revamping roads. A total of ₹87 crore has been allocated for extensive road renovations, while ₹27 crore is dedicated to canal-lining projects. Mann emphasized that this investment marks a departure from past practices, which he described as corrupt and substandard.
New contracts now include a mandatory five-year maintenance clause to ensure long-term quality. "These will not be substandard roads like before," Mann declared. "If a contractor fails to meet standards, payments are withheld, and they face blacklisting. We are undertaking the largest road construction programme in the state's history, targeting nearly 45,000 km of high-quality tarmac."
Boosting Irrigation and Addressing Water Disputes
A key component of the announcement is the rejuvenation of the canal system. The ₹27 crore allocation will fund the lining of the Ghaggar-Rajbaha and Sekhpur-Bahadarpur minors, which is expected to double irrigation coverage across 83 villages. This expansion will increase the irrigated area from 21,050 acres to 40,066 acres, effectively drought-proofing over 40,000 acres of farmland.
Mann also addressed ongoing water conflicts, taking a swipe at neighboring Haryana. He claimed that Punjab had successfully fought in court to reclaim 25% of Bhakra canal water, which he alleged was being diverted. Additionally, he highlighted that his government has spent ₹6,500 crore statewide to bring canal water to 1,444 villages for the first time in their history.
Enhancing Road Safety and Promoting Sports
The Chief Minister highlighted the success of the Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF), a dedicated highway patrol launched last year. Mann reported that the 1,597-strong force has reduced road fatalities by 48% since February 2025, an achievement recently praised by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Looking to the future, Mann announced that Punjab will return to the international sporting arena by hosting the Asia Cup Hockey in Jalandhar and Mohali, ending a long hiatus for the state in major sports events.
Logistical Challenges and Political Shifts
Despite the celebratory tone of the event, local residents faced immediate logistical issues. More than 350 state-run PRTC buses were diverted to transport party supporters to the rally, leaving regular commuters stranded. Students in nearby Nabha reported being forced onto dangerously overcrowded private buses to reach Patiala for examinations.
The event also signaled a political shift in the region. Former PRTC chairman Ranjodh Singh Hadana appeared on stage as the new "halka incharge," replacing AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, who remains in police custody following a high-profile criminal case.
