Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday announced infrastructure projects worth around Rs 900 million for residents of Bathinda, dedicating the reconstructed Multania Railway Over Bridge to the public and approving the construction of a new Railway Over Bridge at Janta Nagar. Both projects are aimed at addressing long-standing traffic congestion in the city. Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Multania ROB, Mann said Bathinda, as a major railway junction, is intersected by multiple rail lines that divide the city. He noted that the Multania bridge, built over the Ambala, Delhi, Sirsa and Bikaner railway lines, plays a critical role in reconnecting these divided areas. The Chief Minister said the earlier bridge, which was nearly 35 years old, had become unsuitable for present-day traffic. With a narrow carriageway of just 23 feet and inadequate service roads, the structure caused persistent difficulties for school buses, traders, ambulances and heavy vehicles. Its deteriorating condition also led to frequent potholes during the monsoon due to soil erosion, resulting in repeated temporary closures. Responding to long-standing public demands, the Punjab government decided to rebuild the bridge by demolishing the old approaches and constructing a new structure on the existing pillars. The new Multania ROB has been developed at a cost of Rs 380.8 million, spans just over one kilometre, and has a widened carriageway of 34.5 feet. Mann added that the space beneath the bridge will be developed into a sports and recreation zone, featuring a walking track, box cricket area, skating space, basketball court and gym facilities. Construction of the bridge began on 11 September 2023 and has been completed on schedule. The bridge has now been opened for public traffic use. Referring to another major project, Mann said the existing underbridge at Janta Nagar on the Bathinda–Firozepur railway line is extremely narrow and poses daily challenges for commuters. The underbridge connects Bathinda–Goniana Road and Badal Ghudda Road and is prone to accidents, with waterlogging during the monsoon further worsening conditions. He said students, school vehicles, ambulances and the general public face regular inconvenience at the site, prompting persistent demands from residents for a Railway Over Bridge. In response, the state government has approved the construction of a new ROB at Janta Nagar at an estimated cost of Rs 508.6 million. The proposed bridge will be around 650 metres long with a 31-foot-wide carriageway, while the adjoining service road will be widened from 18 feet to 33 feet. Mann said the tendering process is already under way and construction will begin shortly. He added that the new bridge will significantly reduce congestion, save commuting time and bring lasting relief to residents, as the surrounding area is being developed as a key growth hub. Mann said the state government remains committed to balanced development, adding that infrastructure upgrades across sectors are being undertaken in consultation with citizens and stakeholders.