The availability of adequate and efficient infrastructure is vital to accelerate economic and industrial development of a State. The Government of Punjab has undertaken several infrastructural projects in the State to attract investment for the overall development of the State. As a result, Punjab has possibly the best infrastructure in terms of rail, road and transport network in the country. Mohali-Chandigarh and Amritsar are connected to rest of India and the world by super-fast trains, domestic and international flights. All such infrastructural facilities are necessary for integrating the State with the rest of the nation and improving the quality of life of the people.

Roadways

The total length of road network in the State is 50,506 km. 'Punjab Roads and Bridges Development Board' was established with the aim of mobilising additional resources for State roads. All villages in the State are linked by all-weather roads and major towns of all the adjoining States are connected by national highways. All districts and sub-divisional towns have direct bus services to the State capital, Chandigarh. All villages have bus services linking them with the sub-division and district headquarter towns. In addition, there are deluxe bus services, between New Delhi and Patiala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar and Chandigarh; as well as taxi services between various towns of the State.

Railways

All major towns and district headquarters in the State have excellent rail links for both passengers and goods traffic. The length of the rail routes passing through the State is around 3,726.06 km. Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Ferozepur and Jalandhar are on the main line and have excellent daily train services to New Delhi including convenient overnight trains. For instance, Shatabdi Express connects Delhi to Chandigarh and Delhi to Amritsar via Ludhiana, etc. Thus, punjab is well connected through the rail network.

Aviation

The State has a domestic airport at Chandigarh (12 kilometers from the city); an international airport at Rajasansi (about 11 kilometers from the main city) ; and two aerodromes at Patiala and Sahnewal (Ludhiana). Besides, there are four civil aviation clubs located at Ludhiana, Patiala, Amritsar and Jalandhar.

Power

Power is a prime mover of an economy. Its adequate and reliable availability is indispensable for sustained growth of a State because the performance of all important sectors, ranging from agriculture to commerce and industry depends on it. The three main sources of power in the State are thermal, hydel and solar power. The perennial rivers, which flow through the State, along with the waterfalls on the canals are being exploited to generate hydro electricity. For thermal power, the State has power stations at Bathinda, Ropar and Lehra Mohabbat. The construction of Bhakra Nangal Complex including Bhakra Dam, Bhakra Main line, Nangal Hydel Channel, Ganguwal and Kotla Power House, Harike Barrage, Sirhind Feeder, remodelling of Madhopur Headwork into Barrage, etc., and Beas Dam at Pong have been some of the major irrigation and hydroelectric projects. The Mukerian and Anandpur Sahib hydroelectric projects are two other important irrigation and power projects. As the demand for electricity is rapidly increasing, the optimum utilization of the power generated; substantial reduction of transmission and distribution losses; and maximisation of generation capacity is of utmost necessity.

Telecom

Telephone and allied facilities are available to all cities and small towns of the State. It is also possible to directly dial for international calls from a large number of villages. The various service providers are BSNL, Reliance, HSCL, Spice telecom, Airtel, Hutch and TATA.

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