CM Mann launches Rs 61.82 crore Dhussi Road project to shield Satluj belt from floods, boosts connectivity across 15 villages
38-km link road to act as flood barrier and a transport lifeline for for Shahkot-Lohian Region’
Babushahi Bureau
Shahkot (Jalandhar), June 19, 2026: In a major infrastructure push aimed at providing a long-term solution to the recurring flood threat along the Satluj River while enhancing rural connectivity, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday laid the foundation stone of the 37.93-kilometre Dhussi Bund Link Road project in Shahkot constituency.
The ambitious project, to be constructed at a cost of ₹61.82 crore, will connect the Shahkot-Moga-Rampur Road with the Gidderpindi Dhussi Bund and is expected to benefit thousands of residents across nearly 15 villages in the Shahkot and Lohian areas.
Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone, the Chief Minister said the project would serve a dual purpose by strengthening the embankment along the Satluj River and improving transportation infrastructure in the region.
“People living in the Shahkot and Lohian belt have suffered from the threat of floods for decades. Successive governments ignored their concerns and failed to provide a lasting solution. This road will not only improve connectivity but also strengthen flood protection for villages situated along the river,” said Mann.
He said around 15,000 to 16,000 residents would directly benefit from the project, which would provide an alternative route connecting the Shahkot-Moga and Lohian-Makhu roads, thereby reducing traffic congestion and ensuring uninterrupted movement during the monsoon season.
Calling the project a milestone for the region, Mann said it would facilitate farmers, students, commuters and businesses while boosting economic activity in the area.
“This is not merely a road project. It is an investment in public safety, connectivity, rural development and economic growth,” he said.
Rajya Sabha MP Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal was also present on the occasion.
Highlighting the government’s broader infrastructure agenda, Mann said Punjab was witnessing an unprecedented expansion of its road network, with nearly 43,000 kilometres of roads being constructed or upgraded across the state.
“Good roads are the backbone of development. They connect villages with opportunities and ensure faster economic growth,” he said.
The Chief Minister also announced that work on a bridge over Chitti Bein would begin shortly, providing direct connectivity to dozens of villages and further strengthening the transport network in the region.
Taking a swipe at previous governments, Mann alleged that infrastructure projects were routinely delayed in the past.
“During earlier regimes, some roads took up to 18 years to be completed. Today, projects are being executed within fixed timelines and according to quality standards,” he said.
Listing the achievements of his government, the Chief Minister said more than 67,000 government jobs had been provided on merit, without political recommendations or corruption.
He also highlighted the success of Punjab’s healthcare reforms, stating that nearly 990 Aam Aadmi Clinics were currently operational across the state. According to him, the clinics have recorded over 5.54 crore patient visits and provide free medicines and diagnostic services to residents.
Speaking on irrigation reforms, Mann said Punjab had utilised 96 per cent of available canal water this year and laid nearly 14,000 kilometres of pipelines and watercourses to improve water delivery to farmers.
He further claimed that groundwater levels had improved in several regions due to the creation of recharge points along canals and rivers.
On financial relief measures, the Chief Minister said the closure of 19 toll plazas had saved Punjab residents nearly ₹70 lakh every day.
“Every rupee of taxpayers’ money is being utilised for public welfare through better roads, schools, hospitals and infrastructure,” he said.
Mann also highlighted welfare schemes for women, including the recently launched Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, under which eligible women will receive monthly financial assistance.
Referring to the state’s flagship healthcare programme, the Chief Minister said the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna was providing cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family and had already facilitated free treatment worth over ₹650 crore.
He further said the state government had enacted the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act, 2026, aimed at strengthening legal safeguards against incidents of sacrilege.
The Chief Minister reiterated that his government’s focus remained on delivering development projects, strengthening public services and improving the quality of life for people across Punjab.