In a highly anticipated press briefing, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Congress' Lok Sabha candidate for Ludhiana, unveiled his comprehensive vision document “DRIVE IT,” aimed at transforming Ludhiana into a model city.
The event was attended by notable Congress leaders, including Sh. Brahm Mohindra, Ex-Minister; S. Malkit Singh Dakha, Ex-Minister; Sh. Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Working President PPCC; Capt. Sandeep Sandhu, General Secretary In-Charge; Sh. Rakesh Pandey, Ex-MLA; Sh. Surinder Kumar Dawar, Ex-MLA; Sh. Sanjay Talwar, Ex-MLA & District President Ludhiana Urban; S. Jassi Khangura, Ex-MLA; S. Balwinder Singh Bains, Ex-MLA; and Major Singh Mullanpur, District President Ludhiana Rural. They extended their support and emphasized the importance of Warring's vision for the constituency.
Highlighting his past achievements, Warring said, “I served three consecutive terms as MLA from Gidderbaha, and I attribute my success to my dedication to the people's welfare. I am proud to have established a degree college and a 100-bed hospital in my constituency, which was recognized as the best subdivision hospital in Punjab under the Kayakalp scheme.
As transport minister, I generated ₹1.5 crore in revenue in the first year, with annual increases. I also tackled the bus mafia, eliminating about 99,000 illegal extensions within the first 12 days, including 60,000 linked to the Badals and 15,000 to their associates.”
Warring's vision document outlines several key initiatives. He is committed to restoring Buddha Dariya to its former glory through the expedited execution of a ₹650 crore project sanctioned by the Congress government. He aims to revitalize the city's industrial heritage and reclaim its title as the Manchester of India.
A research fund will be established to suggest sustainable development measures, focusing on air and water quality, traffic management, peripheral village development, and improving the standard of living for Ludhianvis.Additionally, a special package from the Industry and Commerce Department, Government of India, will be provided to create industrial clusters and foster industrial growth.
A state-of-the-art exhibition centre will be constructed to promote Ludhiana's industrial products. In the first three years, Warring plans to hold discussions with the NHAI to increase grants for farmers and facilitate land acquisition for various projects.The completion of the Ring Road Project is a priority to decongest the city and establish Ludhiana as a logistics hub.
A significant tree plantation initiative will see the planting of 1 lakh local variety trees annually along highways, in forest areas, and on department lands to enhance green cover. Warring will advocate with the Jal Shakti Department to provide surface water via canals to local industries, conserving groundwater resources.
Subsidies for electric and CNG autos will promote environmentally friendly transportation and boost the incomes of approximately 5,000 families. An electric vehicle charging network will be established with industry support and government aid. The goal is to achieve 100% solarization of all government buildings and at least 50% solarization of commercial and private buildings within five years.
A fully equipped press club will be dedicated to the media fraternity of Ludhiana. Dhandhari Kalan, Mullanpur, and Jagraon railway stations will be upgraded. The multipurpose indoor sports stadium will be renovated with state-of-the-art facilities and renamed Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar Indoor Stadium.
A Sahir Ludhianvi Memorial Centre, featuring an amphitheatre, library, visual arts gallery, and accommodation, will be established.Necessary grants will be provided for key projects in villages, including pond construction, libraries, LED lights, and CCTV cameras.
The upcoming international airport at Halwara will ensure direct flights to major national and international business centers. Helicopter services will be introduced to nearby business, religious, and tourist destinations. The frequency of local trains for better connectivity between Ludhiana and other cities like Bathinda and Chandigarh will be enhanced.
Electric buses will be commissioned to offer affordable and comfortable public transport. Intelligent traffic lights will be installed across the city as part of the smart city project. Comprehensive CCTV coverage will assist in traffic management and law enforcement. Overpasses and underpasses will be constructed at congestion points, particularly in the industrial and Giaspura areas.
Invoking people’s support, Raja Warring said, “‘DRIVE IT’ represents a roadmap to a brighter, more prosperous future for Ludhiana. I call upon the citizens to join hands with me in realizing this vision and transforming Ludhiana into a modern, sustainable, and vibrant city.”