Construction projects in Delhi struggle to get workers back
Real Estate

Construction projects in Delhi struggle to get workers back

The Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) officials told the media that even as construction activity resumed over a week ago and the number of workers has started increasing, there was still a shortage of workers to finish the projects on time.

Private construction companies were also struggling to get all their labourers back to the capital.

A PWD official said that after the first wave of Covid-19, it took quite some time to get all the construction labourers back. Contractors hired new workers, and work was moving on speedily, and the projects were almost complete.

However, the second was very damaging, and it is taking more time for things to get back to normal.

He said that normalcy would return in the coming weeks, but they will not be able to meet the deadlines this time.

PWD of the Delhi government is helming important projects like the construction of a 1.2 km long tunnel between Purana Qila Road near Mathura Road and the Ring Road, part of ITPO Pragati Maidan Redevelopment Project, Barapullah phase-3 elevated corridor, Ashram underpass, and Benito Juarez Road underpass, also called as RTR Phase 2 project.

The official further said that when the first lockdown limitations eased there was a crisis of labourers because most of them went back to their villages. Although most of them said they would not return to work, they did and were working at full capacity. However, they did not expect a similar issue to occur through the second wave as well.

Shyam Prasad, a construction worker, said that he returned to work only after his employer requested and assured him a higher salary.

Image Source


Also read: Construction sectors likely to resume ops from mid-June: Assocham

Also read: Delhi govt allows construction work for one week starting May 31

The Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) officials told the media that even as construction activity resumed over a week ago and the number of workers has started increasing, there was still a shortage of workers to finish the projects on time. Private construction companies were also struggling to get all their labourers back to the capital. A PWD official said that after the first wave of Covid-19, it took quite some time to get all the construction labourers back. Contractors hired new workers, and work was moving on speedily, and the projects were almost complete. However, the second was very damaging, and it is taking more time for things to get back to normal. He said that normalcy would return in the coming weeks, but they will not be able to meet the deadlines this time. PWD of the Delhi government is helming important projects like the construction of a 1.2 km long tunnel between Purana Qila Road near Mathura Road and the Ring Road, part of ITPO Pragati Maidan Redevelopment Project, Barapullah phase-3 elevated corridor, Ashram underpass, and Benito Juarez Road underpass, also called as RTR Phase 2 project. The official further said that when the first lockdown limitations eased there was a crisis of labourers because most of them went back to their villages. Although most of them said they would not return to work, they did and were working at full capacity. However, they did not expect a similar issue to occur through the second wave as well. Shyam Prasad, a construction worker, said that he returned to work only after his employer requested and assured him a higher salary. Image Source Also read: Construction sectors likely to resume ops from mid-June: Assocham Also read: Delhi govt allows construction work for one week starting May 31

Next Story
Resources

Tata Power turns 5,000 kg plastic waste into green livelihood for women

Tata Power’s Anokha Dhaaga Smart Circularity programme has converted over 5,000 kilograms of single-use plastic waste into recycled fabric products like T-shirts, tote bags, and haversacks, generating over Rs 20 lakh in fair-trade earnings for women entrepreneurs. The initiative is active across six centres and aligns with the World Environment Day 2025 theme — End Plastic Pollution. The project began with a collection drive across Tata Power’s Trombay plant, housing colonies, and offices. In collaboration with ReCircle and sanitation workers ('Safai Saathis'), the waste was processed i..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Adani Airports secures US$ 750 million from global lenders for growth

Adani Airports Holdings (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises and India’s largest private airport operator, has raised US$ 750 million via External Commercial Borrowings from a consortium of international banks. The financing was led by First Abu Dhabi Bank, Barclays PLC, and Standard Chartered Bank. Of the total funds, US$ 400 million will be used to refinance existing debt, while the remainder will support growth capex across six airports—Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Guwahati, and Thiruvananthapuram—and expansion of AAHL’s non-aeronautical verticals including retai..

Next Story
Resources

CASE launches ‘Vijeta’ to skill youth in construction equipment sales

CASE Construction Equipment, a CNH brand, has launched ‘Vijeta’, a CSR initiative aimed at enhancing employability among underprivileged youth in the heavy equipment sector. The programme will equip participants with technical and practical skills required in construction equipment sales, particularly for backhoe loaders. It blends online and offline training, followed by a three-month hands-on industry stint at sales outlets, along with a monthly stipend. Puneet Vidyarthi, Head of Brand Marketing, CASE CE, APAC & India, said, “Vijeta bridges the skill gap in equipment sale..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?