Punjab has completed 1,129 roads within just 75 days under the Sohne Pind Sohnian Rahwan programme, a pace that officials say marks a new benchmark for public sector road construction in Pakistan.
The progress was reviewed during a high-level meeting chaired by Maryam Nawaz Sharif, where senior officials presented detailed briefings on road development, fund utilisation, and project timelines across Punjab.
Officials informed the meeting that the newly completed roads cover a total length of 1,795 kilometres and were constructed at a cost of Rs. 30 billion. Since the start of the current administration, the provincial government claims to have completed 32,000 roads, reflecting an aggressive push to upgrade transport infrastructure.
Between April and July this year alone, 6,000 kilometres of roads were developed across the province. Under the Local Roads Programme, 1,567 schemes covering 3,400 kilometres are underway with a total allocation of Rs. 79 billion, of which 1,129 schemes have already been completed.
According to officials, the Communication and Works Department achieved 99 percent utilisation of development funds while saving Rs. 11 billion through improved planning and rehabilitation efficiencies. Field teams reportedly worked in three continuous shifts to meet accelerated deadlines, with several projects completed ahead of schedule.
Among the major completed schemes are the 93.5-kilometre Multan–Vehari Dual Road, the 24-kilometre Faisalabad–Chiniot Dual Road, and the 13-kilometre Tourism Highway Dual Road. Authorities also confirmed that rehabilitation work on all 124 flood-affected roads across Punjab has now been completed.
During the meeting, the chief minister approved the establishment of six modern service areas under the Punjab Ring Road Authority. These facilities are expected to generate approximately Rs. 500 million in annual revenue.
Maryam Nawaz directed officials to ensure the service areas become operational by December and instructed that the Ring Road be upgraded to international standards.
The meeting also approved 42 new road schemes for the next financial year, with Rs. 51 billion allocated for fresh road construction, alongside additional funding for local road networks and supporting infrastructure.
Emphasising accountability and quality control, the chief minister ordered departments to submit final completion timelines for all ongoing road projects. She also directed strict implementation of proper lane markings on highways and called for faster beautification work at major entry and exit points across Punjab.
Officials said progress on all approved schemes will be monitored regularly to ensure timely delivery and transparency in public spending.
