A Glimpse into Punjab's Progress Under the Transfo

Captain Amarinder Singh holds the distinction of being the first Chief Minister of Punjab to resign from his position before completing his tenure. A seasoned political figure with a military background, he served multiple terms, from 2002 to 2007 and 2017 to 2021. Amarinder Singh's resignation in September 2021 was attributed to political reasons and internal party dynamics. Despite this development, his influence in Punjab politics remains significant, reflecting a career characterized by military service, political leadership, and contributions to the state's development.

During his tenure as Chief Minister, played a pivotal role in ushering prominent projects aimed at the state's development. Initiatives like the mSeva WhatsApp ChatBot, Punjab's first Sports University, the long-demanded Degree College for Girls in Boota Mandi in Jalandhar, the Water Supply Project, Heritage Street Development near Qila Mubarak, and the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur State University of Law showcased his commitment to various sectors. These projects contributed to education, sports, heritage preservation, and overall infrastructure development, leaving a lasting impact on the state's progress. Captain Amarinder Singh's leadership emphasized substantial contributions to Punjab's growth and welfare. Let us know the major development works by him:

mSeva WhatsApp ChatBot

The mSeva WhatsApp ChatBot, launched by Captain Amarinder Singh in 2020, was a pioneering initiative in Punjab aimed at enhancing accessibility and grievance redressal. The ChatBot utilized the widely used WhatsApp platform to provide citizen services through a contactless and digital medium. This innovative solution facilitated easy communication, allowing citizens to access information, register grievances, and seek assistance through a user-friendly interface. The mSeva WhatsApp ChatBot exemplified the Chief Minister's commitment to leveraging technology for efficient governance, offering a convenient and digital platform for citizen interaction and government services.

New Hi-tech Bus Stand Inauguration

Captain Amarinder Singh fulfilled a longstanding demand of Patiala residents by inaugurating a new hi-tech bus stand on Rajpura Road. This Rs. 65 crore project, expected to be completed in approximately 15 months, aims to accommodate the city's growth over the past decade. An internal mobility plan is underway to ensure connectivity between the existing and new bus stands and other parts of the city.

Widening of Rajpura Road

As part of infrastructure development, Captain Amarinder Singh launched the widening of Rajpura Road with a budget of Rs. 6.74 crore. This initiative, expected to be completed by the next year, is a crucial step in addressing the growing transportation needs of the city.

Surface Water-Based Water Supply Project

As a vital component of Phase-II of the Urban Environment Improvement Programme (UEIP), Captain Amarinder Singh initiated the surface water-based water supply project for Patiala city, with an estimated cost of Rs. 503 crore. This project aims to provide 24x7 clean drinking water to Patiala's population, which is projected to reach 9 lakhs by 2050. Water will be sourced from the Bhakra Main Line Canal through the existing Patiala Navigation Channel, with a completion timeline of three years.

Heritage Street Development near Qila Mubarak

Acknowledging the need to preserve Patiala's rich heritage, Captain Amarinder Singh announced the development of a Heritage Street near Qila Mubarak for Rs. 43 crore. This initiative focuses on enhancing the infrastructure and façade of the area, including shops. The street development is scheduled to be completed by December 2021, contributing to the promotion of heritage tourism in the region.

Water Supply Project in Patiala

As part of Phase-II of the Urban Environment Improvement Programme (UEIP), Captain Amarinder Singh launched a Water Supply Project to provide 24X7 clean drinking water to the growing population of Patiala. The project involves sourcing water from the Bhakra Main Line Canal through the existing Patiala Navigation Channel. The waterworks will be constructed in Ablowal, and the estimated completion time for the project is three years. Additionally, the operator will have an Operation and Maintenance Contract lasting ten years.

Rejuvenation of Patiala and Chhotti Nadi

Captain Amarinder Singh announced several upcoming projects, including the Rejuvenation of Patiala and Chhotti Nadi. The estimated cost for this initiative is around Rs. 200 crore. Emphasizing swift action, the Chief Minister urged the Patiala Administration and the Corporation to initiate the work of granting proprietary rights (Malki Haq) to Slum Dwellers, aligning with the law passed by the State.

Comprehensive Development Projects in Sultanpur Lodhi and Dera Baba Nanak

In a significant push for holistic development, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh laid the foundation stones and inaugurated multiple projects in Sultanpur Lodhi and Dera Baba Nanak. These projects, totaling nearly Rs. 40.75 crore in Sultanpur Lodhi, include initiatives like the Conservation of Qila Sarai Project, Grid Tied Roof Top Solar Power Plant, Smart School, Sewage Treatment Plant, Sub Division Administrative Complex, and Smart Aanganwari Centres. Additionally, at Dera Baba Nanak, the Chief Minister initiated projects such as the Heritage Street, Guru Nanak Dev Sugarcane Research Institute, and Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Museum, collectively amounting to Rs. 77 crore, reaffirming the government's commitment to comprehensive regional development.

Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital in Sangrur

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh inaugurated the 100-bed Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital in Sangrur on November 12, 2018, emphasizing affordable cancer care. The hospital, established in collaboration with the State Government, included plans for a modern Oncology Training Centre. Singh also launched a Cancer Prevention Programme for Sangrur district, providing health education and easy access to diagnosis and treatment. He reviewed the ongoing construction of the 300-bed Tata Cancer Hospital near Chandigarh, aiming for functionality by Diwali, and highlighted upcoming cancer care centers in Fazilka and Amritsar. Rs. 7 crore was allocated for Sangrur Civil Hospital.

Atal Tinkering Laboratory and E-Library

Captain launched a series of development projects in Patiala, totaling Rs. 29.03 crores. The projects include the establishment of an urban estate near Punjabi University, featuring 445 plots, an 'Atal Tinkering Laboratory' (ATL), and an e-Library at the Government Multipurpose Senior Secondary School. The ATL aims to foster creativity and skills development in students, focusing on areas like IoT, Robotics, and Biotechnology. 

Animal Birth Control Centre

 

A modern Animal Birth Control Centre was inaugurated by Singh within the Government Veterinary Polyclinic to address the issue of stray dogs in the city, aligning with the Animal Birth Control Rules of 2001 mandated by the Supreme Court. The sterilization program, monitored by the Animal Welfare Board of India, targets a minimum of 400 dogs per month. The Animal Birth Control Centre includes 16 community dog kennels, a quarantine kennel, and an updated operation theatre with necessary equipment.

Infrastructure Projects Under Smart City and AMRUT Schemes

A significant milestone was achieved as Captain Amarinder Singh inaugurated projects totaling Rs. 1,087 crore on February 22, 2021, under the Smart City and AMRUT schemes. Some of these projects were as under:

1. Surface Water Supply Scheme for Amritsar City (Rs. 721 Crores):

Captain Amarinder Singh laid the foundation stone for the Rs. 721 crore Surface Water Supply Scheme for Amritsar city, ensuring access to clean drinking water and reducing reliance on contaminated groundwater.

2. Smart City Progress (Total Allocation: Rs. 3000 Crores):

In a significant update on the progress of the Smart City initiative, a total allocation of Rs. 3000 Crores has been allocated for various projects. As of now, projects amounting to Rs. 1246 Crores have been initiated or completed, showcasing a substantial commitment to urban development. Tenders amounting to Rs. 918 Crores have already been issued, and an additional Rs. 802 Crores' worth of tenders are currently underway. Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh drew a stark comparison by highlighting that during the SAD-BJP regime from 2007-17, a mere Rs. 35 Crores were expended under this crucial scheme. This update underscores the current administration's robust efforts in advancing urban infrastructure and development in the region.

3. Barnala Projects (Cost: Rs. 105.63 Crores):

The Chief Minister inaugurated projects in Barnala, including the augmentation & rehabilitation of the sewage network, a 74 Km Sewage Line, and a 20 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant, amounting to Rs. 105.63 Crores.

4. Amritsar Projects (Cost: Rs. 20.50 Crores):

Various development projects costing Rs. 20.50 crores were inaugurated in Amritsar, covering the upgradation of Fire Fighting Services, Solid Waste Management Facilities, and the development of Parks & Open Spaces.

5. Khanna Project (Cost: Rs. 25.16 Crores):

A 29 MLD capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Khanna, with a cost of Rs. 25.16 Crores, was inaugurated.

6. Jalandhar Projects (Cost: Rs. 41 Crores):

Foundation stones were laid in Jalandhar for projects including a 15 MLD STP at Basti Peer Dad, improvement of Jalandhar Railway Station, upgradation of power Line distribution system, a Waste Processing plant, a new road in Urban Estate Phase II, and the digitization of the existing Guru Nanak Dev Library, collectively costing Rs. 41 Crores.

7. Ludhiana Projects (Cost: Rs. 40 Crores):

In Ludhiana, foundation stones were laid for projects with a total cost of Rs. 40 Crores, covering the establishment of the Ludhiana Municipal Control Centre, an Integrated command and surveillance centre, and the beautification of the Mini Rose Garden.

As per reports, in the first phase of the Urban Infrastructure Improvement Program (UIIP), 2,065 projects were initiated for Rs. 300 crore. Moving forward, the second phase of UIIP was also approved for 4,227 projects. The CM highlighted the substantial progress in Smart City projects across Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Sultanpur Lodhi, indicating that of the total Rs. 3,000 crore allocation, projects worth Rs. 1,246 crore have been initiated or completed. 

Other Initiatives and Infrastructure Development

Captain Amarinder Singh, during his tenure, demonstrated a commitment to transforming Punjab's infrastructure and fostering economic growth. As a New Year's gift to citizens, he dedicated the Chandigarh-Kharar flyover, to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance connectivity. In Amritsar, he laid the foundation stones for five critical projects in 2018, including a Railway Over Bridges (RoBs), a Railway under Bridge (RUB), and a flyover, boosting the city's infrastructure. Furthermore, Singh announced tourism development initiatives worth Rs. 187.47 crores, aiming to elevate Amritsar as a global tourism destination. These endeavours showcased his proactive approach toward comprehensive development, encompassing transportation, urban infrastructure, and tourism.

In Conclusion

The transformative era under the leadership of Captain Amarinder Singh marked a period of diverse and comprehensive development for Punjab. From initiatives spanning education, infrastructure, healthcare, and more, the varied projects touched upon multiple facets of the state's growth. Beyond mere projects, these endeavors brought tangible improvements to people's lives, fostering economic prosperity, and elevating the region's stature. As we look back on this era, it stands as a testament to proactive governance and a commitment to addressing the diverse needs of the populace, leaving an enduring impact on Punjab's socio-economic upliftment