The Punjab state government plans to raise approx. Rs 800 crore to repair 8,000 km of rural link roads. This is in addition to an ongoing Rs 1,800 crore project funded through a NABARD loan to the Punjab Mandi Board for repairing 12,000 km of rural roads.

Tenders for the first phase are already allotted, while tenders for the additional 8,000 km have been floated despite reduced Central assistance. Initially, the state expected Rs 800 crore from the Centre under various schemes, but the amount will be lower than anticipated. To bridge the gap, officials from the Mandi Board and the state finance department, led by Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) Alok Shekhar, met to explore funding options, including another loan. A follow-up meeting will finalise modalities.

The expansion will cover most rural road demands from MLAs, aiming for a major facelift through widening, strengthening, and upgrading. The Punjab Mandi Board and PWD will jointly execute the works, ensuring improved connectivity for rural areas and boosting infrastructure ahead of the polls.