Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday announced that Punjab will now deliver police assistance within just six minutes, on par with developed regions such as the US and Europe, as he flagged off 508 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) in Sangrur to significantly strengthen on-ground policing across the state. The vehicles, equipped with advanced technology and deployed across all 28 police districts under Dial-112, are set to ensure immediate response to distress calls, marking a major leap in rapid, technology-driven law enforcement.
Backed by ₹327.70 crore investment in police vehicles over four years, the Chief Minister highlighted that modernisation of the force has not only strengthened law and order but also tightened the grip on drug traffickers, while improved security continues to boost investor confidence, reflected in major investments like Tata Steel’s second-largest plant in Punjab.
Addressing a gathering in Sagrur, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann gave a strong call to the people, stating, “Social boycott of those involved in the heinous crime of drug trade is necessary as a final blow to eradicate this menace completely from Punjab.” He asserted that those who have ruined generations deserve no leniency, adding, “Such elements must be taught a lesson, and social boycott will act as a catalyst in freeing Punjab from drugs.”
Highlighting the government’s firm action, he said, “The Punjab Government has already tightened the noose against drug trade, and the conviction rate in such cases has reached 87%, which is far higher than any other state.” He added, “Yudh Nashean Virudh has been the biggest-ever crackdown on the drug network in Punjab, breaking the backbone of this illegal trade by snapping supply chains and putting big fish behind bars.”
Emphasising a mass-based approach, the Chief Minister stated, “A comprehensive and multipronged strategy has been formulated to transform this crusade into a people’s movement with proactive public support.” He noted that unlike previous governments, the present government has ensured strict action instead of allowing smugglers to flourish, adding, “Our fight is to protect Punjab’s young generation, and it will continue relentlessly without pause.”
Calling the challenge ‘drug terrorism, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab Police is actively combating cross-border drug smuggling and ensuring citizens’ safety while strongly countering hostile forces.” He further highlighted administrative reforms, stating, “For the first time, a bottom-up approach has been adopted, with vehicles now being provided to SHOs at the ground level instead of only senior officers.”
Linking law and order to economic confidence, he said, “The best parameter to judge law and order is the investment coming into a state, and the fact that Tata Steel has established its second-largest plant in Punjab reflects this confidence.” He added, “Punjab is one of the safest places, and the credit goes to Punjab Police, which has bridged the gap between the force and the people.”
Highlighting road safety reforms, the Chief Minister said, “Punjab Government has launched the country’s first dedicated Sadak Surakhiya Force to ensure safety on highways and save precious lives.” He added, “With 1,597 trained personnel and 144 modern vehicles, the force has reduced road accident fatalities by 48% since its launch.”
He further noted, “Deployed across 4,200 km of accident-prone highways, the force not only patrols but also acts as a deterrent against violations, a step even appreciated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.”Detailing police modernisation, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Today, 508 new Bolero vehicles are being flagged off under the Emergency Response Vehicles initiative and dedicated to public service under Dial-112.”
He added, “These vehicles will be deployed across all 28 police districts, ensuring prompt assistance to citizens.” He further stated, “With these additions, the Dial-112 fleet has increased to 764 vehicles, all equipped with advanced technologies including GPS trackers, dash cameras, and mobile data systems.”
Highlighting improved efficiency, he said, “Daily 15,000 calls are received on Dial-112, out of which around 1,500 are dispatched, and response time has been reduced from 30–45 minutes to just 13–14 minutes.” Comparing governance priorities, he said, “While previous governments allocated minimal funds for police welfare, the current government has invested ₹327.69 crore in just four years, purchasing 2,904 vehicles since 2022.”
He added, “Today, every police station in Punjab has at least one new vehicle.” On strengthening specialised units, the Chief Minister said, “22 Mahindra Scorpio vehicles have been procured for ANTF, along with electric scooters for enhancing mobility and women’s safety.”
He further announced, “₹11.45 crore has been allocated for additional vehicle procurement in 2026–27.” Reflecting on Punjab’s security history, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Punjab has witnessed difficult phases of terrorism, but due to the sacrifices of police personnel, peace was restored, and today the state is known for peace.”
He added that despite ongoing challenges as a border state, the police continue to perform their duties with full commitment. Highlighting future reforms, he said, “The government will soon introduce Artificial Intelligence to enhance the efficiency of Punjab Police, making it a front-ranking force in the country and strengthening law and order through scientific methods.”
The Chief Minister also spoke about farmer welfare, stating, “The government is exploring the feasibility of putting high-tension wires passing through agricultural land underground, which will provide relief and reduce risks to farmers and their crops.” On recruitment, he said, “Since 2022, 12,197 recruitments have been made in Punjab Police, and further recruitment processes are underway, including 1,746 constables and 3,298 new positions advertised in March 2026.”
Reiterating commitment to transparent governance, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “People’s tax money is being spent judiciously on development, ensuring benefits in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and welfare schemes.” He added, “Free electricity to 90% households, over 65,000 jobs without corruption, improved roads, and closure of toll plazas saving ₹70 lakh daily reflect our commitment to honest governance.”
Contrasting political approaches, he said, “While this government talks about education, health, power, and agriculture, other parties focus only on grabbing power.” He added, “People have rejected opportunistic politics and chosen a government that works for them.”
Taking aim at opposition leadership, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Some leaders are daydreaming of returning to power with unrealistic promises, but people are fully aware of their track record.” He further remarked, “Even late Parkash Singh Badal had never entrusted full leadership responsibilities to Sukhbir Singh Badal, understanding the consequences.”
Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema and Barinder Goyal, along with Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav and other dignitaries, were also present on the occasion.