Like US, Europe, Punjab Police Help Will Reach in 6 Minutes, Says CM Bhagwant Mann

Punjab announces a major upgrade to emergency response services with a six minute target, 508 new vehicles, GPS tracking and AI plans. The initiative, under Dial-112, aims to expedite policing, enhance road safety and strengthen anti-drug operations across 28 districts.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that police help in Punjab will now reach within six minutes, matching response standards in regions like the US and Europe. Mann flagged off 508 new Emergency Response Vehicles in Sangrur under Dial-112, saying the upgraded fleet will sharpen ground-level policing and support fast, technology-based responses to distress calls across all 28 police districts.

Mann said the six-minute target had already cut earlier response times of 30–45 minutes to about 13–14 minutes and would be pushed down further. The Chief Minister explained that around 15,000 calls reach Dial-112 daily, of which nearly 1,500 are assigned for field response, making reliable vehicles and technology vital for timely intervention.

Punjab Police Emergency Response Vehicles and Dial-112 modernisation

Detailing the Dial-112 boost, 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." These vehicles will operate in every police district, and Mann stressed that each police station in Punjab now has at least one recently procured vehicle for immediate use.

Mann 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." He said these tools support real-time tracking, evidence collection, and coordination with control rooms, helping field units reach scenes faster and handle incidents more efficiently.

Punjab Police investment, AI plans and specialised units

Comparing spending with earlier administrations, Mann said, "While previous governments allocated minimal funds for police welfare, the current government has invested ₹327.69 crore in just four years, purchasing 2,904 vehicles since 2022." He underlined that this outlay is part of a broader plan to modernise Punjab Police operations and improve mobility at every level.

On specialised units, Mann said, "22 Mahindra Scorpio vehicles have been procured for ANTF, along with electric scooters for enhancing mobility and women's safety." He also announced, "₹11.45 crore has been allocated for additional vehicle procurement in 2026–27." These steps, Mann said, are designed to help Punjab Police track organised crime and respond quickly in sensitive zones.

Punjab Police crackdown on drug trade and 'Yudh Nashean Virudh’

Addressing the fight against drugs, Mann described the threat as 'drug terrorism’ and praised Punjab Police for tackling cross-border smuggling networks. He said, "The Punjab Government has already tightened the noose against drug trade, and the conviction rate in such cases has reached 87%, which is far higher than any other state." Mann said this figure shows the impact of sustained investigations and prosecution.

Mann highlighted the ongoing campaign, saying, "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 current policies focus on networks rather than only peddlers, combining border checks, local intelligence, and stronger cases in court.

Punjab Police and public participation against drug trade

Calling for social support, Mann told the gathering in Sangrur, "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 asserted that traffickers who damaged entire generations should not receive sympathy or cover from society.

Mann added, "Such elements must be taught a lesson, and social boycott will act as a catalyst in freeing Punjab from drugs." Stressing broad involvement, 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." Mann contrasted this approach with earlier governments, which, according to Mann, failed to curb smugglers effectively.

Punjab Police bottom-up reforms and highway Sadak Surakhiya Force

Explaining administrative changes, Mann said, "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." He said this change lets Punjab Police station teams respond without waiting for higher-level resources, bringing decision-making and mobility closer to citizens.

On road safety, the Chief Minister said, "Punjab Government has launched the country's first dedicated Sadak Surakhiya Force to ensure safety on highways and save precious lives." Mann added, "With 1,597 trained personnel and 144 modern vehicles, the force has reduced road accident fatalities by 48% since its launch." He said the scheme was praised by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

Mann 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." He said the Sadak Surakhiya Force works alongside Punjab Police units, handling enforcement, quick first response, and coordination with medical services.

Punjab Police, law and order, and investment climate

Linking security to the economy, Mann said, "The best parameter to judge law and order is the investment coming into a state, and the fact that Tata Steel has established its second-largest plant in Punjab reflects this confidence." He argued that consistent policing encourages investors to set up projects, which in turn create local jobs.

Mann added, "Punjab is one of the safest places, and the credit goes to Punjab Police, which has bridged the gap between the force and the people." He said officers were being encouraged to work more closely with communities, with public trust seen as essential for both crime control and social stability.

Punjab Police recruitment, AI focus and security legacy

On staffing, Mann said, "Since 2022, 12,197 recruitments have been made in Punjab Police, and further recruitment processes are underway, including 1,746 constables and 3,298 new positions advertised in March 2026." He said this intake would support round-the-clock Dial-112 coverage, specialised units, and rural policing.

Looking ahead, Mann 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." He said AI tools are expected to help with crime pattern analysis, resource deployment, and faster data checks, while human oversight remains central.

Punjab Police, past challenges and wider governance agenda

Reflecting on earlier unrest, Mann stated, "Punjab has witnessed difficult phases of terrorism, but due to the sacrifices of police personnel, peace was restored, and today the state is known for peace." Mann said Punjab Police still faces pressures as a border-state force but continues duties with "full commitment" despite evolving threats.

Beyond policing, Mann spoke about agriculture safety, saying, "The government is exploring the feasibility of putting high-tension wires passing through agricultural land underground, which will provide relief and reduce risks to farmers and their crops." He said technical studies are under way to measure cost, safety, and impact on supply.

Punjab Police, welfare measures and political criticism

Presenting the broader governance record, Mann said, "People's tax money is being spent judiciously on development, ensuring benefits in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and welfare schemes." Mann added, "Free electricity to 90% households, over 65,000 jobs without corruption, improved roads, and closure of toll plazas saving ₹70 lakh daily reflect our commitment to honest governance."

Comparing agendas, Mann said, "While this government talks about education, health, power, and agriculture, other parties focus only on grabbing power." He remarked that voters had rejected what Mann called opportunistic politics and chosen an administration that, in Mann's words, prioritises public needs over personal gain.

Targeting rival leaders, Mann stated, "Some leaders are daydreaming of returning to power with unrealistic promises, but people are fully aware of their track record." He further remarked, "Even late Parkash Singh Badal had never entrusted full leadership responsibilities to Sukhbir Singh Badal, understanding the consequences." Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Barinder Goyal, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav and other dignitaries attended the Sangrur event.