Relief for 50 Villages as Mann Govt Takes Up Mehangowal Bridge Reconstruction

The CM Bhagwant Mann-led government has initiated reconstruction work on a long-neglected bridge to address long-pending infrastructure issues in Punjab’s Mehangowal region. The bridge was in a dilapidated condition for decades and is expected to restore safe connectivity for residents of nearly 50 villages who have been facing daily risks due to its damaged state. Officials from the local administration said that the project will significantly improve connectivity while ensuring safer and smoother travel for thousands of villagers.

The construction of the bridge highlights the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s people-centric governance approach in Punjab. The damaged bridge compelled villagers to take lengthy alternative routes for routine travel for many years. Local residents said the bridge’s condition severely disrupted emergency services, particularly ambulance movement. On multiple occasions, delays in reaching hospitals reportedly led to loss of life and property. The Mann government has provided a solution to a persisting problem by prioritising the reconstruction work.

Residents from Mehangowal and surrounding villages have praised the initiative and expressed appreciation for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s intervention. Members of the local panchayat said that despite repeated demands, previous governments failed to address the issue. They said the AAP government committed itself to strengthening rural infrastructure, and the bridge project is a meaningful step in fulfilling that promise. The project is expected to contribute to the region’s economic growth along with facilitating ease in transportation.

Government sources confirmed that the bridge is being constructed using modern technology and high-quality materials to ensure durability for long-term usage. The construction work is progressing swiftly and is expected to be completed within the designated timeframe. The project has also generated employment opportunities for local contractors and labourers, supporting the local economy. Authorities have further assured that all environmental norms are being strictly followed during construction.

According to government sources, the Punjab government has placed strong emphasis on rural infrastructure development in recent months. It has launched several initiatives to improve essential services such as roads, bridges, electricity, and water supply in rural areas. The Mehangowal bridge reconstruction is part of this broader development strategy. According to experts, improved infrastructure will raise living standards in rural Punjab and may also help reduce youth migration.

Local villagers said that the old bridge became completely unusable during the monsoon season, cutting off access for thousands of people. Students faced challenges reaching schools, while farmers struggled to transport agricultural produce to markets. The new bridge is expected to address these challenges comprehensively. Residents said the project reflects the Mann government’s pro-people governance, which, as per them, is now evident at the grassroots level. Women and elderly citizens, in particular, have welcomed the initiative due to improved safety and accessibility.

The local AAP MLA said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has placed development of every village and citizen at the centre of governance. He said that the bridge is not just a physical structure but also the aspirations of people from 50 villages. He added that the Punjab government is committed to narrowing the rural-urban divide and that several similar projects are planned in the future.

Social activists also have appreciated the initiative and described it as evidence of a government attentive to grassroots concerns. A local teacher said that despite decades of appeals, previous administrations failed to act, but the current government responded decisively. Youth from the area have also welcomed the project on social media, calling it a constructive step toward Punjab’s development. The Mehangowal bridge project is not only an infrastructure initiative but also an expression of the Mann government’s vision of equitable development. Residents are now awaiting the project’s completion with optimism and hope for continued public welfare initiatives, reinforcing the belief that responsive governance accelerates development.