By Dr. Ansab Ali
Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Communications & Works Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth has announced a major reform initiative aimed at strengthening the protection and maintenance of the province’s road infrastructure by introducing a “Road Custodian Culture” in place of the traditional “Road Constructor Culture.”

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the Provincial Minister to review reforms in the Communications & Works (C&W) Department. Secretary C&W Raja Jahangir Anwar, the Additional Secretary, Special Secretary and other senior officials attended the meeting, while field formation officers joined via video link.

Speaking on the occasion, Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth said that the department’s responsibility would extend beyond constructing roads to ensuring their long-term protection, maintenance and durability.

Under the new policy, each Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) and Sub Engineer will be assigned specific roads and held directly accountable for their upkeep. Their responsibilities will include the immediate repair of potholes, restoration of road shoulders and regular monitoring to maintain road quality.

The Provincial Minister also directed that independent inspection teams, in addition to the C&W Department’s own teams, will conduct road inspections and submit photographic evidence and reports on damaged infrastructure to strengthen oversight and transparency.

Emphasising accountability, Bharth warned that strict action would be taken against field officers found negligent or responsible for poor performance. He said the protection of road infrastructure remains a top priority in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

He further announced that the department would adopt modern technology and advanced monitoring systems to improve road management, while introducing a comprehensive framework based on accountability, responsibility and continuous performance monitoring.

The Provincial Minister expressed confidence that the transition from a Road Constructor approach to a Road Custodian model would bring a positive cultural transformation within the department, ensuring not only high-quality road construction but also their sustainable maintenance for years to come.