Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

PM reviews the initiatives in Punjab

Punjab is a torch bearer State for the green revolution, and a major contributor to ensuring food security in the country. With a high urbanization rate, the Punjab economy is fast transitioning towards processing of agricultural output, and entering the area of the service sector. Seized of the need to initiate a quantum change in infrastructure and other areas in the State, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has announced a number of initiatives. These projects are being monitored regularly by PMO, along with the Punjab Government and concerned Ministries and Departments of the Government of India. The Prime Minister recently reviewed the progress of these projects.

The initiatives include the Galiara Project around Shri Harmandir Sahib, completion of Khalsa Heritage Project at Shri Anandpur Sahib, upgradation of PGI Chandigarh, moving forward on establishment of Bio- Technology Hub in Punjab, and coverage of Amritsar and Ludhiana under the National Urban Renewal Mission.

Specific attention is also being given to the infrastucture sector, with upgradation and widening of Amritsar-Wagha road. Additionally, Amristsar- Jallandhar, Amritsar Pathankot, Kiratpur-Chandigarh and Ambala-Chandigarh roads are also being taken up under the National Highway Development Programme. Ambala-Jallandhar and Ludhiana-Chandigarh roads are proposed to be six-laned. While the high-speed railway corridor is being extended to Ludhiana, action is also being taken for setting up a new Airport of international standards in the State.

The Prime Minister has also taken several educational and social initiatives, foremost amongst them being the announcement of Indian Institute of Science & Research in Punjab. The Centre of Research on Shri Guru Granth Sahib Studies has already started functioning.