Punjab has introduced a new era of accountability in road development, driven by the determination of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to upgrade the state’s infrastructure. A major road reform initiative known as the CM Flying Squad began its work in October 2025. Although it forms part of a much larger plan worth more than ₹16,000 crore for building nearly forty five thousand kilometres of roads, its real strength lies in strict monitoring and uncompromising standards.
Instead of waiting for complaints to surface, the state has created a system where road projects are constantly monitored. Senior officials from the Punjab Mandi Board and Public Works Department move from district to district without prior notice to inspect road construction. Their inspections are especially focused on the huge rural link road project, which alone accounts for over ₹3,400 crore. Whenever a road has failed to meet the required quality, the government has not hesitated to terminate contracts on the spot.
What sets this approach apart is the responsibility placed directly on contractors. Any agency working on a road must maintain it for five years after completion. If a road deteriorates or repairs are ignored, the contractor faces immediate blacklisting. This rule has forced companies to think beyond quick construction and focus on long-term durability.
Local governance also plays a crucial role in Punjab’s model. A contractor can only receive payment once the village Panchayat approves the work. This ensures that the people using the road every day have the final say in judging its quality. This system not only strengthens grassroots democracy but also prevents the misuse of public money.
Early inspections in seven districts show noticeable improvements. With stricter supervision, the quality of rural roads has begun to rise and everyday travel for farmers and small traders has become far smoother. Better roads are opening doors to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities, and the economic impact is already becoming visible across villages.
Experts from other states have taken note of Punjab’s approach. Regions such as Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Assam, Uttarakhand, and Andhra Pradesh often face trouble because contractors neglect maintenance or work is repeatedly delayed. Punjab has shown that when maintenance obligations are built into the original contract and monitored consistently, road networks can remain strong for many years.
The initiative reflects the state government’s belief that development is incomplete unless every village benefits from safe and reliable connectivity. The CM Flying Squad is more than an enforcement team; it represents a long term vision for stable infrastructure and transparent governance. Through this model, Punjab is demonstrating that road building is not just about laying asphalt but about ensuring that public funds genuinely improve people’s lives.
By enforcing responsibility, increasing transparency, and involving local communities, the Punjab government has set higher standards for road development. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s efforts have positioned Punjab as a state that does not compromise on infrastructure quality and continues to push forward with a clear vision for progress.