SHIMLA: Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while presiding over the review meeting of
Public Works Department here on Saturday directed the officers to ensure time bound
completion of developmental projects besides ensuring quality in the construction works.
He said that since roads were the main mode of transportation in the State, effective
road map must be prepared to meet out the desired targets while executing various roads and
bridge projects. He said the special focus must be laid on completing those projects which
were nearing completion. He also directed the engineers of the department to work
professionally while executing various projects.
He also stated that under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna, the State has completed
construction of over 18430 kms. roads in the State and about 2406 habitations have been
connected by roads. He said that this scheme has proved a boon particularly in providing road
connectivity to rural areas. He asked the officers of the department to pay special attention on
motivating the people to donate land liberally for connecting villages as usually it has been
felt that several villages could not be connected due to land issues.
Chief Minister said that the loan target sanctioned under NABARD for the year 2021
was Rs. 540 crore and the department has sanctioned 114 projects with total cost of Rs.
565.52 crore. He said that special thrust must be laid on quality construction and maintenance
of national highways keeping in view the heavy load of traffic on these highways. He said
that regular repair, maintenance and periodic renewal of national highways must be ensured
for making the drive better to the commuters.
Jai Ram Thakur said that work on World Bank funded projects being executed
directly by Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways must also be expedited and steps be
taken for their time bound completion. He said that pace regarding execution of ongoing
National Highway Authority of India's projects such as Kiratpur-Nerchowk-Manali,
Parwanoo-Solan-Dhali must also be expedited so that commuters do not face any
inconvenience. He said that special emphasis must be laid on those stretches nearing
completion. He also felt the need for ensuring that the executing agencies complete the
projects at the earliest.
Principal Secretary PWD Subhashish Panda assured the Chief Minister that efforts
would be made to complete the ongoing projects within stipulated time period.
Engineer-in-Chief PWD Sanjeev Sharma made a detailed presentation regarding
various projects being implemented in the State.
Chief Secretary Anil Khachi attended the meeting virtually.
Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister J.C. Sharma and Special Secretary
PWD Arindam Chaudhary were present at Shimla with the Chief Minister whereas Chief
Engineers, Superintending Engineers and other senior officers also attended the meeting
virtually from their respective places.