In a step towards modernizing the jail administration in Punjab, the State Government on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the upcoming head office of the Jail Department — the Jail Bhawan — to be constructed in Sector 68, SAS Nagar (Mohali). The state-of-the-art building, sanctioned at a cost of Rs 35 crore, is expected to be completed by December 2026, well ahead of its April 2027 deadline.
Punjab Jails Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, who presided over the foundation stone-laying ceremony, said that the new facility will serve as a landmark in streamlining jail administration and policy implementation across the state. “This building will play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency of the department by centralizing operations, introducing modern technologies, and ensuring improved working conditions for staff,†he said.
The ‘Jail Bhawan’ project aligned with the Punjab Government’s broader vision of reforming and upgrading correctional infrastructure. The Minister noted that the new head office would enable the Department to adopt a modern work culture and formulate centralized policies for better governance of state jails.
The proposed building will span a one-acre plot with a built-up area of 83,947.71 square feet and provision for parking 115 vehicles. The design includes a basement and five floors, complete with escalators, elevators, and robust fire safety systems. The facility will also be equipped with a central air conditioning system, solar power generation, a local area network (LAN) system, and a sewage treatment plant (STP).
“The new building will replace rented spaces currently being used by the department, saving nearly Rs 84 lakh annually in rent alone,†Bhullar said, adding that this will not only be cost-effective but will also centralize the department’s operations under one roof.
Construction responsibilities have been awarded to ASC Builder, with strict timelines laid out to ensure early completion. The Minister emphasized that the Jail Bhawan will provide a modern, safe, and productive work environment and reflects the government’s resolve to strengthen Punjab’s law enforcement and correctional framework through infrastructure development.
“This project is not just about a building, but a commitment to better governance, employee welfare, and administrative reforms,†Bhullar concluded.
