- Public Works Department Secretary reviews progress on bridges, culverts, and national highway projects
- Directs completion of tender processes for new projects by November and commencement of work by January
- Instructs officials not to leave headquarters without permission; orders prompt resolution of issues at construction sites
Mr. Mukesh Kumar Bansal, Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD), has issued directives to accelerate work on bridges, culverts, and national highways as soon as the monsoon season ends. He instructed officials to conduct site inspections with contractors within a week to finalize preparations and ensure that construction work begins on a war footing immediately after the rains. He emphasized that work activity must be visible at all construction sites by October.
While reviewing the progress of bridge, culvert, and national highway construction at the PWD headquarters (‘Nirman Bhavan’) in Naya Raipur today, Mr. Bansal directed that estimates for priority projects for the years 2025-26 and 2026-27 be submitted by September 20. He also ordered the completion of repairs for rain-damaged bridges, as well as the painting of railings and walls, by November 30.
During the meeting, the PWD Secretary instructed Executive Engineers from all divisions of the Bridge Wing to tour their respective areas, assess the actual requirements for bridges and culverts, and prepare proposals for new structures tailored to public needs. He also directed them to keep a close watch on the condition of old and damaged bridges and to submit proposals for new bridges wherever necessary.
- Visit sites twice a week
Mr. Bansal mandated that Executive Engineers and Superintending Engineers visit construction sites twice a week to inspect the work. He emphasized that there should be no compromise regarding construction quality or adherence to timelines. He directed that action be taken against contractors who are negligent or slow in their work.
He instructed Executive Engineers and Sub-Divisional Officers not to leave their offices without permission. He directed officials to remain present in their respective jurisdictions and promptly resolve issues arising at construction sites.
- Tenders for new projects by November; work to commence by January
Mr. Bansal directed that the tendering process for new projects be completed by November and that all work commence by January without fail. He instructed that layouts, drawings, designs, and work sites be made available to contractors on time. He emphasized the need for the prompt resolution of issues encountered at work sites and directed that the work being executed by contractors be rigorously monitored and inspected.
- Ensure monthly payments; close contracts within three months of project completion
The Secretary of the Public Works Department directed that monthly payments to contractors be ensured so that the physical and financial progress of the work is not hampered. He instructed that all documentation and payment processes be finalized and contracts closed within three months of project completion.
- Upload data to the Gati Shakti portal by September 10
Mr. Bansal directed that information regarding all bridges and culverts in the state be uploaded to the Government of India’s Gati Shakti portal by September 10. He ordered the issuance of show-cause notices to officials who fail to upload the information within the stipulated timeframe. He directed that grievances and demands received via CPGRAMS and the CM Helpline be resolved effectively and with quality. Additionally, he instructed that the status of court cases, compassionate appointments, and pension-related matters be reviewed on a monthly basis. “Accelerate work by fostering better coordination with NHAI and Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways officials.”
Mr. Bansal, Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD), reviewed the progress of national highway construction during a meeting with officials from the National Highway Wing and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). He also inquired about the status of tenders, contracts, and work orders for projects that had received administrative approval. He instructed National Highway Wing officials to expedite the work by establishing better coordination with their counterparts in the NHAI and the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The Department Secretary directed that the following national highway projects be completed by March of next year: the MMI Chowk to Shadani Darbar section in Raipur, the Bemetara Bypass, the Kondagaon to Narayanpur section, and the Ratanpur to Pendra Road section. The meeting was attended by PWD Engineer-in-Chief Mr. V.K. Bhatpahari, Additional Secretary Mr. S.N. Srivastava, Chief Engineer (Bridge Wing) Mr. S.K. Kori, and Chief Engineer (National Highway Wing) Mr. Gyaneshwar Kashyap, along with Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, and Sub-Divisional Officers from both wings, as well as NHAI officials.