In a move aimed at transforming Punjabs road infrastructure and enhancing road safety, Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Thursday directed officials to conduct a statewide traffic census by September 30, 2025. The exercise is expected to provide critical data to rationalize road upgrades, plan new constructions, and implement targeted safety measures to reduce accidents and save lives.   The Minister, chairing a high-level joint meeting with officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Punjab Mandi Board, emphasized that a scientific traffic census is the need of the hour. Accurate traffic data will guide us in prioritizing and optimizing road development projects, ensuring better connectivity and safer roads for the people of Punjab, he said.   The Minister added that traffic volume patterns would help identify areas requiring urgent widening, construction, or safety interventions, forming the foundation for smart and sustainable infrastructure planning.   The meeting was attended by PWD Administrative Secretary Ravi Bhagat, Punjab Mandi Board Secretary Ramvir, Special Secretary Hargunjit Kaur, and other senior officials. The session focused on reviewing the status of ongoing and proposed road and bridge projects across the state, with special attention to link roads, which serve as vital arteries for rural connectivity and agricultural trade.   During the briefing, the Chief Engineer informed the Minister that tenders are being invited under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) for constructing 581 km of link roads using Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) technology — an innovative method aimed at reducing costs and improving durability. Additionally, under the NABARD scheme, rural roads worth Rs 281 crore are being developed to bolster last-mile connectivity.   Harbhajan Singh ETO also reviewed infrastructure projects under the Punjab Roads and Bridges Development Board (PRBDB) and instructed field officers to promptly address any execution challenges. Stressing the need for professionalism, he urged officials to uphold integrity and quality standards in all public works.   Modern roads are the backbone of Punjabs growth. Through accurate data and dedicated execution, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, safer, and more connected Punjab, the Minister said.

Stay updated with all the Chandigarh Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.