Secretary Mukesh Kumar Bansal directs officials to ensure visible progress at all sites by October; tenders for new projects to be completed by November and construction to begin by January
TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 2, 2026: Public Works Department (PWD) Secretary Mukesh Kumar Bansal has directed officials to accelerate construction of bridges, culverts and national highways immediately after the monsoon, with visible activity expected at every construction site by October.
Reviewing the progress of ongoing bridge, culvert and national highway projects at Nirman Bhavan in Nava Raipur on Wednesday, Bansal instructed officials to inspect construction sites along with contractors within a week and ensure that all preparatory work is completed before the rains end. He stressed that construction should resume on a “war footing” once weather conditions permit.
The PWD Secretary directed that cost estimates for priority projects for 2025-26 and 2026-27 be submitted by September 20. Repairs to bridges damaged during the monsoon, along with painting of railings and walls, must be completed by November 30.
Engineers Told to Inspect Sites Twice a Week
Bansal directed Executive Engineers and Superintending Engineers to visit construction sites at least twice a week and closely monitor progress. He stressed that construction quality and project timelines must not be compromised and called for action against contractors found negligent or slow in executing works.
Executive Engineers and Sub-Divisional Officers were instructed to remain available within their respective jurisdictions and not leave headquarters without permission. Officials were also told to resolve problems arising at construction sites promptly rather than allowing them to delay projects.
Executive Engineers of the Bridge Wing were asked to tour their respective areas, assess requirements for new bridges and culverts and prepare proposals based on public needs. They were also directed to regularly monitor old and damaged bridges and submit proposals for replacement or new construction wherever necessary.
New Project Tenders by November, Work by January
The PWD Secretary set a deadline of November for completing the tender process for new projects and directed officials to ensure that construction begins by January.
He instructed departments to provide contractors with layouts, drawings, designs and work sites on time. Issues affecting execution must be resolved quickly, while the quality and progress of contractors’ work should be regularly monitored.
Bansal also directed officials to ensure monthly payments to contractors so that financial constraints do not affect physical progress. All documentation and payment-related formalities should be completed and contracts closed within three months of project completion.
Gati Shakti Data to Be Uploaded by September 10
The Secretary ordered that details of all bridges and culverts in Chhattisgarh be uploaded on the Government of India’s Gati Shakti portal by September 10. Show-cause notices will be issued to officials who fail to meet the deadline.
He also directed officials to ensure effective and quality disposal of grievances received through CPGRAMS and the Chief Minister’s Helpline. The status of court cases, compassionate appointments and pension-related matters is to be reviewed every month.
Coordination with NHAI Stressed
Bansal separately reviewed the progress of national highway projects with officials of the National Highway Wing and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). He sought updates on tenders, contracts and work orders for projects that have received administrative approval.
He directed National Highway Wing officials to strengthen coordination with NHAI and the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to expedite project execution.
Four major highway projects have been targeted for completion by March next year: the MMI Chowk-Shadani Darbar section in Raipur, Bemetara Bypass, Kondagaon-Narayanpur highway section, and Ratanpur-Pendra Road National Highway project.
PWD Engineer-in-Chief V.K. Bhatpahari, Additional Secretary S.N. Srivastava, Chief Engineer (Bridge Wing) S.K. Kori, Chief Engineer (National Highway Wing) Gyaneshwar Kashyap, senior engineers from both wings and officials from NHAI attended the review meeting.
