PWD Minister stresses on quality and speed in road construction, calls for action against poorly performing contractors

Shimla, September 12: Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh has called for a renewed focus on maintaining high quality standards in road construction and infrastructure development, while also urging strict action against poorly performing contractors. During a review meeting with senior officials of the Public Works Department (PWD), the minister stressed the need for accountability and efficiency to ensure timely completion of projects.

Singh highlighted the progress of the department, saying the PWD is working diligently on major projects with a budget of ₹2,240.27 crore for the current financial year. Out of this, ₹526.42 crore has already been utilised for various projects. In the past months, the department has completed construction of 18 bridges, 33 buildings, 190.44 km of motorable roads and 309.22 km of cross drainage. Additionally, 674.30 km of roads have been tarred and 1,060 km of roads have been renovated from time to time.

The minister also lauded the department’s achievements under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). “Under PMGSY-II, 100% work has been completed and PMGSY-I is 99% complete,” he said. Besides, 337 projects under National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) are currently in progress, with the remaining 15 projects to be awarded soon.

Singh mentioned that the PWD is upgrading its Works and Asset Management Information System (WAMIS) software to streamline operations, enhance transparency and ensure timely completion of projects. Singh said, “This move will revolutionise the functioning of the department and reflects the government’s commitment to efficiency and accountability in governance.”

During the meeting, the minister gave strict instructions to the officials to keep a close watch on the performance of contractors. He called for decisive action against contractors doing shoddy work and urged that such contractors be blacklisted. On the other hand, Singh recommended that contractors maintaining high quality standards should be rewarded with additional projects.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by heavy monsoon rains, Vikramaditya Singh praised the PWD for their relentless efforts in responding to the infrastructure damage. He directed the department to prioritise immediate repair and maintenance of rain-affected roads and bridges. He also emphasised the need for prompt repair of potholes and speedy restoration of flood-damaged roads to prevent inconvenience to the public.