Cabinet Minister Shri Harpal Singh Cheema today inaugurated the blacktopping work on the 6.7 km long road stretching from Dirba to Kamalpur, being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 5.28 crore. During his visit, he also personally inspected the quality of the construction materials being used.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister shared that the construction and widening of major roads connecting Kamalpur and its neighboring villages have been initiated, successfully fulfilling the long-standing demands of the local residents. He highlighted that approximately 12 kilometers of new roads (which were previously unpaved link roads) are being constructed, while around 20 kilometers of existing roads are being widened.
A total budget of about Rs 20 crore is being spent on these combined road infrastructure projects. Under these development projects, construction and renovation work is being carried out on several routes, including Kamalpur to Safipur, Kamalpur to Samuran, Kamalpur to Safipur Khurd, Khanal Kalan to Kamalpur, Kamalpur to Baghraul, Kamalpur to Dayalgarh Jejian, Kamalpur to Dirba, Kamalpur to Ghanaur Rajputan.
The Minister added that across Punjab, a massive campaign is currently underway to reconstruct or widen nearly 45,000 kilometers of roads. With the significant increase in the number of cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles in recent times, older roads had begun to feel narrow and congested.
Widening these roads will not only ensure smooth traffic flow but will also drastically curb road accidents, ultimately saving precious human lives. To ensure the longevity and maintenance of the roads, Minister Cheema made an important appeal to the public, urging them not to let water accumulate on the road surfaces.
He noted that water stagnation is the primary cause of road erosion and damage. While personally inspecting the material being used in the ongoing work, the Minister noted that after laying the stone base, a 40 mm layer of material is being applied, which is fully satisfactory. Concurrently, he issued strict directives to the departmental officials and contractors present on-site, warning them that no negligence regarding the quality of work would be tolerated, and the entire project had to be completed in a transparent, standardized, and high-quality manner.
Officials from various departments, prominent local dignitaries, and a large number of villagers were present during the event.