PUNJAB NEWS : Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO today reviewed the progress of two major infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity between Amritsar and Tarn Taran.
He inspected the construction of a four-lane Railway Over Bridge (ROB) on the A-25 railway line near Kakka Kandiala in Tarn Taran, as well as a bridge being built on the route connecting Sultanwind village in Amritsar to Tarn Taran Sahib. These infrastructure developments are expected to greatly reduce traffic congestion and streamline travel between the two cities.
During the visit, the Minister instructed the construction companies to ensure both projects are completed by December 2025 without fail. Accompanied by MLA Dr. Kashmir Singh Sohal, he noted that 31% of the ROB work at Kakka Kandiala has been completed. Originally slated for completion in June 2026, the project is now being fast-tracked to finish six months earlier. Initially estimated to cost Rs. 82.88 crore, the ROB is expected to be completed for around Rs. 70 crore, saving the state nearly Rs. 13 crore.
The Minister emphasized that increasing traffic in Tarn Taran city has made travel challenging for the many devotees visiting Sri Darbar Sahib Tarn Taran and Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar. The new ROB will provide significant relief to daily commuters. The foundation stone for the ROB was laid by Minister Harbhajan Singh in September 2024.
He also reviewed the bridge under construction from Sultanwind village (Amritsar) toward Tarn Taran, which began in October 2024 and was initially set to finish by June 2026. After assessing progress, the Minister announced this bridge would also be completed by December 2025 to serve local residents and travelers better. MLA Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar was also present during the inspection.
Based on Dr. Nijjar’s suggestion, the Punjab Government had allocated Rs. 34.20 crore for the project. However, the department aims to finish it for Rs. 22.68 crore—saving Rs. 11.52 crore. The 725-meter-long, 14-meter-wide bridge will feature 5.5-meter-wide service lanes on each side, along with drainage systems and rainwater harvesting provisions.
The Minister stated that once completed, this bridge will greatly benefit devotees visiting religious sites such as Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar, Tarn Taran Sahib, Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh Ji Shaheedan, Tahla Sahib, and Baba Buddha Ji. Residents of Amritsar bypass colonies and Sultanwind will also experience substantial traffic relief.