Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday announced that Punjab would now deliver police assistance within just six minutes, on par with developed regions such as the US and Europe, as he flagged off 508 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) in Sangrur to significantly strengthen on-ground policing across the state.
The vehicles, equipped with advanced technology and deployed across all 28 police districts under Dial-112, are set to ensure immediate response to distress calls, marking a major leap in rapid, technology-driven law enforcement.
Backed by a Rs 327.70 crore investment in police vehicles over four years, the Chief Minister highlighted that modernisation of the force has not only strengthened law and order, but also tightened the grip on drug traffickers, while improved security continues to boost investor confidence, reflected in major investments like Tata Steel’s second-largest plant in Punjab.
Addressing a gathering in Sangrur, the CM gave a strong call to the people, stating, “Social boycott of those involved in the heinous crime of drug trade is necessary as a final blow to eradicate this menace completely from Punjab.”
He said those who have ruined generations deserve no leniency, adding, “Such elements must be taught a lesson, and social boycott will act as a catalyst in freeing Punjab from drugs.”
Highlighting the government’s firm action, he said, “The Punjab government has already tightened the noose against drug trade, and the conviction rate in such cases has reached 87 per cent, which is far higher than any other state.”
“Yudh Nashean Virudh has been the biggest-ever crackdown on the drug network in Punjab, breaking the backbone of this illegal trade by snapping supply chains and putting big fish behind bars,” he said.
Emphasising a mass-based approach, the Chief Minister stated, “A comprehensive and multipronged strategy has been formulated to transform this crusade into a people’s movement with proactive public support.”
He noted that unlike previous governments, the present government has ensured strict action instead of allowing smugglers to flourish, adding, “Our fight is to protect Punjab’s young generation, and it will continue relentlessly without pause.”
He further highlighted administrative reforms, stating, “For the first time, a bottom-up approach has been adopted, with vehicles now being provided to SHOs at the ground level instead of only senior officers.”
Highlighting road safety reforms, the CM said, “Punjab government has launched the country’s first dedicated Sadak Surakhiya Force to ensure safety on highways and save precious lives.” He added, “With 1,597 trained personnel and 144 modern vehicles, the force has reduced road accident fatalities by 48 per cent since its launch.”
He further noted, “Deployed across 4,200 km of accident-prone highways, the force not only patrols but also acts as a deterrent against violations, a step even appreciated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.”
Detailing police modernisation, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Today, 508 new Bolero vehicles are being flagged off under the Emergency Response Vehicles initiative and dedicated to public service under Dial-112.”
He added, “These vehicles will be deployed across all 28 police districts, ensuring prompt assistance to citizens.”
He further stated, “With these additions, the Dial-112 fleet has increased to 764 vehicles, all equipped with advanced technologies including GPS trackers, dash cameras, and mobile data systems.”
Highlighting improved efficiency, he said, “Daily 15,000 calls are received on Dial-112, out of which around 1,500 are dispatched, and response time has been reduced from 30–45 minutes to just 13–14 minutes.”
Highlighting future reforms, he said, “The government will soon introduce Artificial Intelligence to enhance the efficiency of Punjab Police, making it a front-ranking force in the country and strengthening law and order through scientific methods.”
