TFP Bureau, Raipur, December 29, 2024: Deputy Chief Minister and Public Works Minister Shri Arun Saw today unveiled a new Schedule of Rates (SOR) for road and bridge work in Chhattisgarh. Replacing the decade-old SOR last updated in 2015, the new schedule incorporates updated costs of labor, materials, and machinery, alongside modern construction techniques. The revised SOR will come into effect on January 1, 2025, and aims to reduce contractors’ financial risks while ensuring higher-quality infrastructure projects.
Shri Arun Saw, addressing a press conference, stated that the new SOR reflects the government’s commitment to completing construction projects on time and with superior quality under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai. “The earlier SOR was based on rates prevalent in 2014. The new rate schedule is more aligned with current market realities and includes provisions for GST, which eliminates the need for contractors to bear additional tax-related risks,” he said.
The revised SOR also accommodates advancements in construction technology, such as soil stabilization using cement and chemicals, pavement white-topping, and the use of high-grade RCC (M-40, M-45, M-50) in foundation work. Additional features include precast RCC drains, bamboo crash barriers, and aluminum composite material sheeting for road signage. These updates will result in more realistic cost estimates, reducing the need for frequent administrative revisions.
Performance-Based Maintenance to be Piloted
In a significant move, the state government plans to introduce Performance-Based Maintenance Contracts (PBMC) and Output and Performance-Based Maintenance Contracts (OPRMC) for road upkeep. This approach, already adopted by several states and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, ensures continuous road maintenance by assigning a single agency for 5–7 years.
Shri Saw explained that under this model, contractors will be responsible for both regular maintenance and emergency repairs within a stipulated timeframe. Failure to meet deadlines will result in penalties, with maintenance progress monitored online for transparency. “This will eliminate delays in road repairs, particularly during the monsoon season, and ensure roads are maintained in good condition,” he added.
The Public Works Department will soon launch pilot projects in selected districts to test the model. If successful, PBMC/OPRMC will be rolled out across the state.
The updated SOR and new maintenance model reflect the government’s focus on creating a sustainable and efficient road infrastructure system in Chhattisgarh, setting a foundation for better connectivity and economic growth.
