Ludhiana's ₹162 Crore Road Revamp: Officials Defend High-Cost 'World-Class' Transformation
City officials in Ludhiana have strongly defended a massive ₹162 crore infrastructure investment that will see 15 kilometers of key urban corridors transformed into "world-class" thoroughfares. The ambitious project, managed by the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB), comes at a staggering cost of more than ₹10 crore for each kilometer, a price tag that has raised significant public eyebrows.
Beyond Simple Repaving: A Complete Urban Redesign
Municipal corporation (MC) officials emphasize that this initiative moves far beyond simple road repaving to deliver a comprehensive aesthetic and functional redesign of Ludhiana's busiest arteries. They justify the substantial expenditure as a crucial long-term solution to the city's aging and inadequate infrastructure, which has plagued residents for years.
The project cost includes a detailed ₹3.5 crore survey conducted by a Delhi-based design firm to ensure the roads meet stringent international standards. This survey forms the foundation of what officials describe as a "world-class" blueprint that addresses multiple urban challenges simultaneously.
Comprehensive Infrastructure Features
The transformation plan incorporates several critical elements designed to modernize Ludhiana's road network:
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Underground utility wiring and enhanced drainage systems to prevent monsoon damage and flooding.
- Mobility Solutions: Uniform road widths to eliminate chronic traffic bottlenecks, dedicated cycle tracks for safer commuting, and properly designed pedestrian walkways.
- Public Amenities: Smart streetlighting for improved safety, modern bus stops, and benches placed at regular intervals for public convenience.
- Aesthetic Elements: Landscaped central verges and green belts to enhance the city's visual appeal and environmental quality.
Project Scope and Implementation Timeline
The project covers ten critical stretches across Ludhiana, ranging from hospital zones to major commercial hubs. The longest segment, connecting Sherpur Chowk to Jagraon Bridge, spans 4.38 kilometers and represents a significant portion of the overall transformation.
A pre-bid meeting was held recently to address inquiries from potential contractors, with Superintending Engineer Sham Lal Gupta confirming that the tendering process is currently drawing substantial interest from specialized firms. Once the tendering process concludes in the coming weeks, work is expected to begin on multiple fronts simultaneously to minimize traffic disruption duration.
Official Justification and Vision
A senior MC official stated, "We are addressing recurring issues like drainage problems and traffic bottlenecking once and for all with this comprehensive approach. People will finally enjoy driving on roads that keep every modern facility in mind, from proper drainage to safe pedestrian pathways."
By abandoning traditional patchwork repairs in favor of this Delhi-designed "world-class" blueprint, officials aim to eliminate chronic bottlenecks and drainage woes that have long frustrated residents. The vision is to replace these problems with landscaped boulevards that finally integrate proper urban planning principles into Ludhiana's development.
The road to Ludhiana's future, as officials describe it, requires more than just bitumen—it needs integrated footpaths, dedicated cycle tracks, and intelligent drainage systems working in harmony. This ₹162 crore investment represents a bold attempt to put the "city" back in city planning through comprehensive infrastructure modernization.
