Dhuri (Sangrur), June 30:- Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure development, Punjab Chief Minister **Bhagwant Singh Mann** on Monday laid the foundation stone of a **Road Over Bridge (ROB)** worth **?54.76 crore** in Dhuri. The project aims to permanently resolve traffic congestion, strengthen regional connectivity, and accelerate the socio-economic development of the area.
During his visit, the Chief Minister also announced that the **'Mawan-Dhiyan Satkar Yojana'** will be launched from Dhuri on **July 1**. He also reviewed the successful management of the state's record power demand, highlighted major development works undertaken in Dhuri and Sangrur, and reiterated that **Sri Akal Takht Sahib** remains supreme for him and his family.
Addressing a public gathering after laying the foundation stone, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “A modern two-lane Road Over Bridge, along with a footpath, is being constructed over the **Sheron Distributary (Suoa)** near **Level Crossing No. 62-A** on the **Rajpura–Bathinda railway line** in Dhuri subdivision. The project is being executed at a cost of **?54.76 crore** with funding from the **Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB).**”
Providing details of the project, the Chief Minister said that all necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and approvals from the Railways, Forest Department, BSNL, PSPCL and other concerned departments have already been obtained. “We are committed to completing this project within **18 months**, by **October 2027**,” he added.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Road Over Bridge would provide major relief from traffic congestion in Dhuri and adjoining areas while strengthening the region’s transport infrastructure. It will ensure safer, smoother and faster movement of traffic and contribute significantly to the area's economic and social development.
Describing the occasion as a historic day for the constituency, the Chief Minister said, “Today is a golden day in the history of the Dhuri Assembly constituency as a long-pending demand of the residents has finally been fulfilled.”
Reiterating the government's commitment to balanced development, he said the Punjab Government has fully funded the project from its own resources to ensure that the lower railway crossing remains functional, thereby protecting local businesses and preventing the town from being divided into two parts. He added that the bridge, being constructed over both a flowing canal and a railway line, represents an outstanding example of engineering excellence.
Sharing details of other development initiatives in Dhuri, the Chief Minister said a modern public library has already been established to provide quality reading resources to residents. He also noted that the local distributary has been covered and transformed into an attractive community space for public use.
On the occasion, Bhagwant Singh Mann thanked the people of Dhuri for ensuring a resounding victory in the Municipal Council elections by electing **19 out of 21 councillors**. He also announced that the appointment of the new Municipal Council President would be made shortly.
Referring to earlier engagements during the day, the Chief Minister said he had inaugurated an **Olympic-standard world-class swimming pool** at the **War Heroes Stadium** in Sangrur to nurture future sporting talent.
He further informed that he had flagged off **50 LED documentary vehicles** from Sangrur. These vehicles will travel across all **13,000 villages** in Punjab to screen documentary films dedicated to the **650th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj**.
Making a major announcement for women, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The **Mawan-Dhiyan Satkar Yojana** will be launched from Dhuri on **July 1**. Under the scheme, every eligible woman beneficiary will receive **?1,000 per month**, while women belonging to the Scheduled Castes will receive **?1,500 per month**. The financial assistance will be transferred directly into their bank accounts, and women already receiving social security pensions will also be eligible for the scheme.”
Sharing further details, he said nearly **97 per cent of women in Punjab** are expected to benefit from the initiative. The State Government has allocated **?9,300 crore** for the scheme in the Budget, and more than **40 lakh women** have already registered. Benefits will commence from **July 1**, even if registration cards are issued later.
Reviewing the state's power situation, the Chief Minister said Punjab’s power grid is functioning smoothly and has successfully met the **highest-ever electricity demand of over 17,000 MW**.
Expressing satisfaction over the ongoing paddy transplantation season, he said all thermal power plants are operating at full capacity, canals are running at **106 per cent capacity**, and paddy transplantation across the state is nearing completion.
Expressing his faith in Sikh religious institutions, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “**Sri Akal Takht Sahib** is supreme for me and my family. Every directive issued by this revered institution will be fully respected, and the matter will also be discussed in detail in the Punjab Legislative Assembly.”