Bathinda, January 10, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday announced a major infrastructure push for Bathinda, dedicating projects worth nearly ₹90 crore aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving urban connectivity. The Chief Minister formally inaugurated the rebuilt Multania Railway Over Bridge (ROB) and approved the construction of a new ROB at Janata Nagar.
Addressing a public gathering after inaugurating the Multania ROB, Mann said Bathinda’s strategic importance as a key railway junction has long posed mobility challenges for residents, as multiple railway lines divide the city into different zones. He noted that the Multania bridge, built over the Ambala, Delhi, Sirsa and Bikaner railway lines, plays a crucial role in linking these divided areas.
The Chief Minister said the earlier bridge, constructed nearly 35 years ago, had become inadequate for present-day traffic needs. With a narrow 23-foot carriageway and insufficient service roads, it frequently caused congestion and inconvenience to commuters, including school buses, traders, ambulances and heavy vehicles. He added that the deteriorating condition of the old structure often led to potholes, especially during the monsoon, forcing temporary closures.
Keeping these concerns in mind, the state government decided to reconstruct the bridge by dismantling the old approaches and building a new structure on the existing pillars. Mann said the new Multania ROB has been completed at a cost of ₹38.08 crore. Stretching a little over one kilometre in length, the bridge’s width has been increased from 23 feet to 34.5 feet to accommodate rising traffic volumes.
He further announced that the space beneath the bridge will be developed into a public sports and recreation zone, featuring a walking track, box cricket area, skating zone, basketball court, gym space and other amenities. The Chief Minister said construction work on the bridge began on September 11, 2023, and has now been completed on schedule, with the bridge opened for public use.
Highlighting another long-pending demand, Mann referred to the existing underbridge at Janata Nagar on the Bathinda–Ferozepur railway line. He said the underpass, which connects the Bathinda–Goniana Road with the Badal Ghudda Road, is extremely narrow and poses serious risks to commuters.
Waterlogging during the rainy season further worsens conditions, making daily travel difficult for students, school vehicles, ambulances and residents.
Responding to demands from local residents, the Chief Minister announced approval for the construction of a new Railway Over Bridge at Janata Nagar at an estimated cost of ₹50.86 crore. He said the proposed bridge will be around 650 metres long with a width of 31 feet, while the adjoining service road will be widened from 18 feet to 33 feet. Mann added that the tendering process has already begun and construction work will commence shortly.
Mann said the new infrastructure projects will significantly reduce traffic bottlenecks, save commuters’ time and bring lasting relief to residents. He added that Bathinda is being developed as a major growth hub and the state government is leaving no stone unturned to strengthen its infrastructure.
Outlining his government’s broader development vision, the Chief Minister said efforts are underway not only to upgrade school infrastructure but also to enhance teachers’ skills to ensure better learning outcomes. He reiterated that his government remains fully committed to public welfare and that all major decisions are taken after consultation with citizens and stakeholders.
