PWD Saves Rs 14.64 Billion Through Transparent Tendering

11 Mar 2026 CW Team

The Public Works Department (PWD) has reported savings of Rs 14.64 billion (bn) through a transparent tendering system over the past four years, the Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO stated on Thursday. The government has set a target of constructing or upgrading 45,000 kilometre (km) roads by June 30, 2026, a programme that includes construction of 4,700 km of new roads as well as maintenance and widening of existing roads. The scale of the initiative reflects an emphasis on improving connectivity and road durability across the state.

The minister indicated that an allocation of Rs 162.09 bn will be deployed for the project and that savings from competitive procurement would be redirected towards enhanced maintenance and priority stretches. The transparent tendering approach was credited with reducing anomalous cost escalations and streamlining contractor selection through open bidding and clearer evaluation criteria. Officials described the savings as arising from stronger oversight, tighter contract conditions and the use of digital tender platforms to widen participation.

Implementation is to proceed in phased cycles with periodic reviews to ensure timelines are met and quality standards upheld, according to the department. Road design and widening work will be prioritised on corridors with high traffic density to maximise economic benefit and reduce congestion. Maintenance schedules have been adjusted to incorporate lifecycle cost considerations and longer warranties in order to reduce future expenditure.

The minister and senior officials said that the combination of increased budgetary allocation and efficiency gains from procurement reforms was expected to accelerate delivery while preserving fiscal prudence. Monitoring mechanisms and performance benchmarks will be employed to track progress towards the June 2026 deadline and to ensure that the planned investments translate into durable improvements in the road network.

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