Chandigarh, March 9 -- The Punjab government has earmarked Rs.7,257 crore to boost urban infrastructure. The biggest increase is in the municipal development fund (MDF), which has been allocated Rs.1,000 crore for the next fiscal, up from Rs.225 crore in 2025-26.

The MDF will be available to all urban local bodies for creation and upgradation of essential civic infrastructure such as roads, street lighting, water supply, sewerage, drainage, solid waste management, sanitation, public utilities, public safety systems and environmentally sustainable infrastructure.

Out of this fund, 20% will be utilised for operations and maintenance of water supply and sewerage projects, ensuring not only asset creation but also sustained service delivery...