Minister Ravneet Bittu Gives Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann 48-Hour Ultimatum on Ludhiana's Doraha Railway Overbridge Project.
Ludhiana: Union minister of state for railways and food processing industries Ravneet Singh Bittu has given Punjab chief minister
Bhagwant Mann
48 hours to approve a long-delayed railway overbridge in this city, escalating a political standoff over critical infrastructure in the state's industrial heartland.
Bittu, speaking on Monday at a campaign event for the Ludhiana West assembly byelection, accused the Punjab govt of stalling the railway overbridge (ROB) project on the Doraha-Sahnewal stretch deliberately. He claimed the CM's office had withheld the required no-objection certificate (NOC) from the public works department for more than six months, despite repeated requests.
"This overbridge is essential for easing congestion and improving connectivity in Ludhiana," Bittu told supporters in Ward 64's Rishi Nagar.
"The railways is prepared to fully fund the ₹70 crore project, yet the Punjab govt refuses to cooperate. Despite several letters and direct communication, there has been no response from the CMO."
Bittu warned that if the NOC was not granted within 48 hours, he will confront Mann directly. "These are not my demands — they are the people's demands," he said. "If the CM doesn't act, I will go to him personally and ask why Ludhiana's development is being held hostage to politics."
The minister also accused Mann of presenting a misleading narrative on development. "On stage, he speaks of progress, but behind the scenes, he blocks key projects supported by the Centre.
These double standards must be exposed," Bittu said.
He called on voters to support BJP candidate Jiwan Gupta in the byelection, arguing that only a BJP-led govt could accelerate stalled infrastructure and ensure accountability. Bittu cited the Modi govt's record on national security, including Operation Sindhoor, as evidence of decisive leadership. Framing the bypoll as a pivotal moment for Punjab, Bittu urged party workers and residents to unite behind the BJP.
"This election is not just about one seat," he said. "It's about development, dignity, and the dream of a stronger India."
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