Patiala/Fatehgarh Sahib, December 11, 2025 – Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today conducted surprise inspections of road construction projects in the Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib districts, uncovering irregularities that led to immediate action against the responsible contractors. Mann's actions underscore the state government's commitment to ensuring the quality and durability of road infrastructure across Punjab.
The Chief Minister's unannounced visits targeted three road construction sites, including the Reetkheri Link Road in Patiala district, where he discovered non-compliance with stipulated weight parameters during sampling. Expressing his dissatisfaction, Mann promptly ordered officials to issue a show-cause notice to the contractor and withhold all payments.
Mann also inspected the under-construction Patiala-Sirhind Road in Patiala district and the Rurki to Reona plan road in Fatehgarh Sahib district. He directed officials to collect samples from the Patiala-Sirhind Road for laboratory testing.
"The motive of checking these under-construction roads is to check the quality of roads being constructed across the state," Mann stated. He emphasized that the state government is investing a significant amount of public funds in road construction, making it imperative to ensure high-quality standards are met. The Punjab government has embarked on a massive road construction project targeting to construct 44,920 Kms of roads with a total cost of Rs 16,209 Crore.
CM Mann asserted that these surprise inspections would continue in the coming days, reflecting his dedication to responsible utilization of public funds. These random checks aim to guarantee that roads are constructed properly and with the best quality materials.
This initiative is part of a broader effort, with the Punjab government having launched the 'CM Flying Squad' in October 2025 to enhance road infrastructure. This squad, comprised of senior officials from the Punjab Mandi Board and the Public Works Department, conducts surprise inspections to ensure transparency, quality, and accountability in road construction. A key focus is the ₹3,425 crore rural link road project. Contractors found to be delivering substandard work face immediate contract cancellation. Payments are only issued upon satisfaction of the Panchayats, encouraging contractors to prioritize quality.
The state government has made it clear that contractors will be blacklisted for failure to fulfill maintenance responsibilities. Contractors are also responsible for maintaining and repairing roads for 5 years.
These efforts have reportedly led to significant improvements in road quality across seven districts. The government's strict stance has sent a clear message to contractors, fostering a sense of responsibility and improving the rural economy through better connectivity for farmers, traders, and citizens.
