Punjab government accelerates four-laning of Patiala-Sirhind road at Rs 119.6 crore
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 22, 2025: The Punjab government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is rapidly progressing the four-laning of the Patiala-Sirhind road, a project valued at Rs 119.6 crore.
Punjab Public Works Department Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO provided details about the initiative, which was announced by the Chief Minister during last year’s Vyapar Milni in Patiala. The project includes widening the existing road to four lanes and constructing a steel bridge over the Bhakra Main Line near village Sidhuwal.
The Minister stated that 25% of the work is complete, with Rs 32 crore already spent. The steel bridge near Sidhuwal has been constructed and is now operational for traffic. The entire project is progressing swiftly and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026.
Harbhajan Singh highlighted that the four-laning will eliminate 12 identified accident-prone spots along the route, significantly improving road safety and potentially saving many lives.
He described the project as a key milestone that will ease traffic congestion, enhance safety standards, boost trade and commerce, and strengthen regional connectivity.
The Minister also explained that although administrative approval was granted by the previous government in December 2021, work had stalled due to missing statutory clearances from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and unresolved utility relocations. This led to contractual disputes and the termination of the contractor’s contract awarded in January 2022.
Under Chief Minister Mann’s leadership, all necessary clearances have been secured, and the project was re-awarded to ensure smooth execution. A total of 22.59 hectares of forest land along the project’s right of way has been acquired, with the Forest Department compensating by developing 45.18 hectares of forest land elsewhere in Punjab.
Regarding environmental mitigation, 7,392 trees, 1,733 under-girth poles, and 5,730 plants were removed for the project. In compensation, the Forest Department is planting 60,106 saplings as part of compensatory and additional afforestation efforts.
The Minister emphasized that departmental officers have been directed to strictly adhere to project timelines, uphold high-quality standards, and ensure timely completion.