The Punjab government has decided to establish road maintenance squads in every district across the province. The squads will monitor roads and address maintenance issues regularly.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved the proposal on Tuesday. She also directed officials to establish an effective monitoring system for development projects across Punjab.
The new road squads will conduct daily inspections of roads. Their responsibilities will include upkeep, cleanliness and repairs of damaged roads.
The chief minister directed commissioners and deputy commissioners to closely monitor development projects. They will track project scope, deadlines, quality, spending and physical progress.
Maryam Nawaz also ordered the installation of cat’s eyes on selected urban roads. She directed officials to use thermoplastic road markings for improved durability and road safety.
The chief minister also issued instructions regarding city and tehsil entry points. She said concrete gates should not be constructed at these locations.
Instead, city names should be displayed on landscaped green spaces at major entrances. She said modern designs should be used to improve the appearance of cities.
According to the directions, Chinese city entrances should serve as a model for district entry points. Tehsil entrances should follow approved designs with suitable local changes.
Maryam Nawaz also ordered improvements to road medians and landscaping. Roads should not have unnecessary concrete structures in the middle without proper planters.
She directed authorities to improve lane markings, traffic signs and directional signs. Electricity poles along roads should also be properly illuminated or decorated.
The government also plans to improve food streets across Punjab. Maryam Nawaz said food streets should be developed as separate commercial zones with proper infrastructure.
She stressed the need for cleanliness, parking and traffic arrangements in food streets. The facilities should also support better access for visitors and businesses.
The chief minister also called for improvements at vegetable markets across the province. She directed officials to improve access, sanitation and commercial activity at these markets.
Maryam Nawaz stressed that all development projects must follow approved designs and technical standards. She said the quality of construction materials must also be maintained.
She further emphasized transparency in development spending. Officials were directed to monitor projects closely and ensure that approved funds are used properly.
The chief minister also ordered road safety systems and lighting to be energy-efficient. She said such systems should also be durable and easy to maintain.
The road maintenance squads are expected to provide a more regular system for identifying damaged roads. They could also help authorities respond faster to cleanliness and repair issues.
The initiative is part of the Punjab government’s broader focus on improving public infrastructure. District administrations will have a key role in monitoring road conditions and development work.
Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to Pakistan Navy officers, sailors, martyrs and Ghazis on Navy Day. She praised the Navy for its professional excellence and maritime security role.
She also highlighted the Navy’s contribution to protecting merchant vessels during regional tensions. The chief minister said the armed forces continue to play an important role in safeguarding Pakistan’s national interests.
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