PM Modi's sanctioning of projects to 12 benefit districts: Punjab BJP chief
Chandigarh, July 20
Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party President Kewal Singh Dhillon on Monday said last week's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jalandhar emerged as one of the biggest infrastructure milestones for the state, with projects of over Rs 5,470 crore directly benefiting 12 districts through modern railway stations, new rail services, expressways and Greenfield highways.
Dhillon said the significance of the Prime Minister's visit lies not merely in the value of the projects, but in the fact that development has reached every major region of Punjab.
He stated that from Doaba to Majha and Malwa, 12 districts have received infrastructure that will improve connectivity, reduce travel time, boost trade and create new opportunities for investment and employment.
He said Jalandhar, Mohali, Ropar and Muktsar Sahib received redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, equipped with modern passenger amenities. Hoshiarpur gained with the Rs 830 crore Daulatpur Chowk-Kartoli rail line, while Amritsar received the new Amritsar (Chheharta)-Varanasi Sant Ravidas Express, strengthening religious and cultural connectivity. The newly flagged-off Kartoli-Ambala train will further improve rail connectivity across Punjab.
Dhillon said the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway will transform connectivity for Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Pathankot, reducing travel time and logistics costs while improving freight movement and regional commerce.
He said Mohali and Ropar will benefit from the Rs 1,570 crore IT City-Kurali Greenfield Highway and the PR-7 Spur of the Ambala-Chandigarh Greenfield Highway, strengthening the region as a hub for industry, IT and urban development.
He added that the foundation stone of the Southern Ludhiana Bypass would ease congestion, improve freight movement and enhance connectivity among Ludhiana, Bathinda and other major economic centres.
Dhillon said the projects announced during the Prime Minister's visit collectively benefit Jalandhar, Mohali, Ropar, Muktsar Sahib, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot and adjoining regions, demonstrating that the Modi government's development agenda reached every part of Punjab.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown through action that Punjab's progress is a national priority. These projects will strengthen the state's economy, improve connectivity and create lasting opportunities for future generations," Dhillon added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who travels to Punjab for work frequently, this is excellent news. The railway station upgrades under Amrit Bharat scheme will make a huge difference. But I do wish Congress and AAP supporters would acknowledge good work when they see it, instead of always finding faults.
Look, I'm not a BJP supporter, but credit where it's due - infrastructure development is important. My concern though: what about the farmers' issues? Just building roads won't solve the agrarian crisis. We need a holistic approach. Development should also mean better procurement prices and reducing debt burden on kisans. 🚜
Great to see Amritsar getting direct train connectivity to Varanasi. The Sant Ravidas Express will be a boon for pilgrims. But this is just a drop in the ocean. What about the pathetic state of our highways in rural Punjab? One visit to Majha region will show you the reality. The projects should cover more villages, not just cities and towns.
As a student from Patiala studying in Chandigarh, I can tell you how much we need these road and rail upgrades. The IT City-Kurali Greenfield Highway will be a game changer for daily commuters. Modi ji is doing what previous governments only talked about. Yehi hai asli vikas! 🚀
Honestly, this feels like election season announcements. Remember the Ludhiana Ring Road project that was supposed to be completed in 2015? Still not finished. I'll believe these projects when I see construction actually happening. Also, 12 districts out of 23? That's only half. What about the rest of Punjab? No project for Bathinda or Far
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