Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh emphasized the crucial need for maintaining quality in infrastructure development during a review meeting with senior officers of the Public Works Department (PWD) today. He called for strict actions against underperforming contractors to ensure project success.
Highlighting the department’s significant progress, Singh noted that the current financial year’s budget stands at ₹2,240.27 crore, with ₹526.42 crore already utilized. The department has successfully constructed 18 bridges, 33 buildings, 190.44 kilometers of motorable roads, and 309.22 kilometers of cross drainage. Moreover, 674.30 kilometers of roads have been tarred, and 1,060 kilometers have received periodic renewals.
Singh praised the achievements under PMGSY-II, where 100% of the work has been completed, while PMGSY-I has reached a 99% completion rate. Furthermore, 337 projects under NABARD are currently in progress, with 15 more projects set to be awarded soon.
Reinforcing the commitment to quality assurance, Singh credited Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s visionary leadership in modernizing the PWD. He mentioned ongoing upgrades to the department’s WAMIS software, which are expected to enhance transparency, streamline the tendering process, and ensure timely project completion.
The Minister directed officials to closely monitor contractors’ performance, advocating for decisive action against those who fail to meet standards. He also suggested rewarding high-performing contractors with additional projects.
In light of recent monsoon damage, Singh commended the PWD for its prompt response to infrastructure challenges caused by heavy rainfall. He instructed the department to prioritize urgent repairs and maintenance of damaged roads and bridges to minimize public inconvenience, focusing on timely pothole repairs and restoration of flood-affected roads.
Present at the meeting were Secretary PWD Abhishek Jain, Special Secretary Harbans Brascon, Engineer-in-Chief N.P. Singh, Engineer-in-Chief (Project) Jitender Singh, and other senior officials.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
