Officials directed to strengthen coordination, maintain construction quality and complete prison infrastructure projects within stipulated timelines
TFP Bureau, Raipur, July 24,2026: Public Works Department (PWD) Secretary Mukesh Kumar Bansal on Friday reviewed the progress of ongoing jail infrastructure projects across Chhattisgarh and directed officials and contractors to accelerate construction while ensuring high quality standards and timely completion.
The review meeting was held at the PWD headquarters, Nirman Bhawan, in Raipur. Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services Himanshu Gupta and PWD Engineer-in-Chief V.K. Bhatpahari attended the meeting, while Executive Engineers, Jail Superintendents and contractors from various districts participated through video conferencing.
During the meeting, Bansal assessed the status of construction of barracks, boundary walls, toilets and watchtowers in prisons across the state. He sought detailed updates on the pace of work, quality of construction and implementation challenges from departmental officials and jail authorities.
The PWD Secretary instructed Executive Engineers to undertake regular site inspections and closely monitor project execution. He directed contractors to speed up construction without compromising on the quality of materials or workmanship.
Emphasising better coordination between the Public Works Department and the Prison Department, Bansal asked Executive Engineers and Jail Superintendents to ensure smooth transportation of construction materials within jail premises while strictly adhering to safety protocols. He also instructed prison authorities to provide adequate working hours and necessary support to construction workers so that projects progress without interruption.
Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services Himanshu Gupta said several prisons in the state are currently operating beyond their sanctioned capacity. He noted that the construction of new barracks and expansion of prison infrastructure would help ease overcrowding and improve inmate accommodation. He urged all stakeholders to complete the projects within the prescribed timelines.
The review covered a wide range of infrastructure works, including the construction of a parking shed, classroom shed and visitor amenities with toilet facilities at Raipur Central Jail.
The Secretary also reviewed progress on the construction of a new 1,500-capacity special jail at Nagoi in Bilaspur district, boundary walls at district jails in Dhamtari and Gariaband, and new barracks at district jails in Janjgir, Ramanujganj, Surajpur, Kanker and Sanjari-Balod, as well as at the Sub-Jail in Sarangarh.
In addition, Bansal assessed ongoing works related to raising the height of the main boundary wall at Kawardha Sub-Jail, construction of inmate barracks and toilets at Central Jails in Ambikapur and Jagdalpur, toilet facilities at Dantewada District Jail, installation of concertina wire fencing and watchtowers at Sukma District Jail, and construction of a watchtower at Bijapur Sub-Jail.
Following the review, the PWD Secretary issued project-specific directions to ensure faster execution, effective coordination among departments and timely completion of all prison infrastructure projects across the state.
