Improve healthcare facilities in city
In 2025, the Ludhiana district is set to experience significant infrastructure upgrades, with ambitious projects aimed at improving connectivity, public services, and the overall living conditions of citizens. As one of Punjab’s most important industrial hubs, the city and its surrounding areas are on the brink of a transformative period that will raise the region’s national and international profile. The start of operations at Halwara’s new international airport is a significant development that residents and stakeholders are looking forward to. This project is expected to bolster Ludhiana’s position as a commercial and logistics centre by enhancing air connectivity, thus fostering economic growth, improving tourism, and providing residents with more convenient travel options. Furthermore, some of the other key projects awaiting completion include the upgrade of the Ludhiana railway station, the city’s aspiration for a smart city, and improving road infrastructure. These projects are expected to shape Ludhiana into a modern, thriving city that will attract investments and set a benchmark for urban development in Punjab. The authorities concerned should prioritise improving healthcare infrastructure through better-equipped hospitals, proper waste management, and the cleaning of Buddha Nullah, as these measures will ensure access to quality care and a more sustainable environment for all.
Novin Christopher
upgrade public transport system
In addition to the ambitious developments planned for Ludhiana in 2025, many important areas require attention to further enhance the district’s infrastructure and quality of life. Firstly, a robust public transportation system, comprising fast buses and a well-connected metro network, is necessary to reduce traffic congestion and provide economical commute options. Second, investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power can lessen reliance on fossil fuels while simultaneously creating green jobs and contributing to a more sustainable world. Third, by strengthening vocational training programmes and developing industry-academia collaborations, the workforce may be better prepared for an ever-changing job market. Finally, addressing the issue of air and water pollution by making laws and encouraging eco-friendly behaviours is crucial to guarantee a healthy environment for residents.
Tamanpreet Kaur Khangura
Reduce number of
e-richkshaws
In order to improve Ludhiana, I feel there is a need to make a few changes. First of all, the construction of Bharat Nagar Chowk is not a right as the U-turn leads to traffic congestion. The chowk should be smaller so that traffic on the Ferozepur road can move smoothly. Secondly, small buses should be used within the city rather than long ones. Thirdly, the number of e-rickshaws plying the road should be decreased, especially from the railway station as these create chaos on the roads. Lastly, schools and colleges should provide parking facility within their premises so that cars are not parked on roads. Also, a few trains should be diverted to Dhandari or Ladhowal railway stations to ease congestion in Ludhiana Railway Station.
Manish Dhawan
Relocate carcass plant to suitable place
Besides better healthcare facilities, an international airport, a renovated railway station, highways and bridges, a 24×7 water supply, a smart city tag, and the rejuvenation of the Buddha Nullah, there are numerous other facilities that are expected to come up in Ludhiana district this year. Residents are eagerly awaiting the resolution of the city bus service issue, as buses are the cheapest mode of transport that the poor and middle-class residents can afford. To control environmental degradation and for processing animal remains into poultry feed granules, a carcass plant was constructed in Ludhiana, which has remained non-operational since its construction in 2021 due to protests by villagers. The civic body should relocate the plant to a suitable place. In 2012, the Punjab Government had approved the Ludhiana Metro Rail Project to help with traffic congestion in the city, but the project was abandoned. As the city has been declared a metropol city, the government should explore the possibility of reviving the project. LIT’s ‘City Centre Project’ is mired in controversies and lying abandoned. The matter should be resolved amicably so that a major chunk of prime land, lying wasted, can be put to use. More post offices, police stations, and public toilets are required as the existing strength is inadequate to cater to the needs of the citizens. A joint effort by the MC and NHAI is required to improve the road infrastructure in the city. The menace created by stray dogs and other animals should be addressed. Conventional streetlights should be replaced with LED ones.
RS SEMBHI
Ensure equal division of civic amenities
There are three basic needs of human beings — food, clothes and shelter —but there are other basic civic amenities which lie under the domain of the Municipal Corporation and are equally important for survival in the modern world. These amenities are a steady water supply, sanitation, roads, streetlights, collection and disposal of solid waste, maintenance of public places, burial grounds, crematoria, cattle pounds, registration of births and deaths, parks, fire tender services, dispensaries, schools etc. The availability of these civic amenities to the residents of Ludhiana is not evenly distributed. Along with the airport and a well-knitted spread of overbridges there is a need for more underpasses to reduce traffic jams. The municipal corporation has divided the city into four zones but there is a need for further bifurcation to implement various schemes effectively.
Dr Mohd Saleem Farooqui
Focus on removing encroachments
Ludhiana is known as the Manchester of India because a concentration of the hosiery and cycle industry is here. But barring a few localities, this city is hard to live in with the ever-increasing unplanned colonies and areas in the vicinity of Ludhiana. To make it a better place for living, the local government should focus on carpeting roads, reserving place for industries on the outskirts of the city, removing encroachment etc. Developing parks in different localities is also necessary. The authorities concerned should develop lakes in and around the city and construct more underpasses and overbridges for a smooth flow of traffic. The other things they must focus on is erecting fences along both sides of roads to restrict the entry of stray animals and allocating parking places in markets and around schools. Most importantly residents must cooperate to maintain the facilities given by local governments.
Farzana Khan
Restore bridge on Buddha Nullah
A number of development projects have been listed for the growth of Ludhiana in 2025 and more projects have been invited. Ludhiana is a smart city and it must be a representative one in the state. More projects worth adding to the list include the restoration of Buddha Nullah. While this issue has been in the limelight for some time now it requires immediate solutions and the issue must be solved in 2025. Further, there is a damaged bridge on this nullah on the GT Road, connecting the city to the rest of the state in the north. This bridge has been closed for road traffic for a long time. Further, the city is suffering due to its bad roads. There are many low-lying areas in the city where water gets inundated, especially during the rainy season.
Gautam Dev
Address issue of pollution in city
An upgraded railway station, a Smart City tag etc will make Ludhiana more sustainable in 2025. However, while these developments are promising, more needs to be done to address issues such as pollution. Controlling industrial pollution and encouraging industries to adopt renewable energy sources to minimise their environmental impact is important. Improving traffic signal system will help reduce congestion and the risk of accidents. Also pedestrian-free signals should be installed in order to promote their safety. The authorities must promote higher education and upgrade educational institutions. By focussing on these aspects Ludhiana can make the city more livable in 2025.
Japleen kaur
COMMITTED TO MAKing LUDHIANA BETTER: DC
WE are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the speedy completion of the ongoing infrastructure development projects. We are reviewing progress regularly and extending all possible help to the executing agencies. We are committed to making Ludhiana a better place to live and work in, as promised by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Jitendra Jorwal, Deputy Commissioner
Question for next week
 In what appears to be a record of sorts, over 10,000 persons fell prey to cyber fraudsters, losing over Rs 100 crore in Ludhiana last year. The Commissionerate Police were able to recover almost Rs 11 crore of the amount. What should be done to check rising cyber fraud?
Suggestions in not more than 200 words can be sent to ludhianadesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (January 16)