State Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Rakesh Singh dedicated to public the newly-constructed 850-metre cement concrete road from Panda Ki Madhiya to Anand Kunj Tiraha in Garha. The road has been built at a cost of Rs 4.97 crore. The programme started with prayers at Panda Ki Madhiya. The Minister then walked to Anand Kunj Tiraha, greeting residents along the route. The inauguration witnessed an enthusiastic public response. The entire stretch wore a festive look, with many termed the atmosphere as similar to a Dussehra celebration. Social and traders’ organisations welcomed the Minister with garlands, while fireworks were organised at several places. A large number of people gathered on both sides of the road to take part in the event. Addressing the gathering, Singh said roads are the foundation of development. He said better healthcare, education, employment and business opportunities depend on strong infrastructure. He added that the road, which was earlier only 17 feet wide, has now been expanded to 53 feet, improving traffic movement and boosting commercial activity in the area.

 

The PWD Minister acknowledged that residents faced inconvenience during construction but said the project would provide long-term benefits. He also appealed to traders not to encroach on roads and public places. He said well-planned markets attract more customers and help businesses grow. Singh said 73 of the 194 development works approved for West Assembly constituency have been completed, while the remaining projects are under progress. He said Jabalpur is rapidly emerging as a modern city with major projects such as flyovers, the IT Park, airport expansion, the proposed 118-km ring road, new rail overbridges and the development of Narmada ghats. He said his guiding principle as Public Works Minister has been ‘public welfare through public works’ and assured that no compromise would be made on the quality of construction. Rajya Sabha MP Sumitra Valmiki, Mayor Jagat Bahadur Singh, BJP City President Ratnesh Sonkar and several public representatives, party leaders and local residents were present during the event.