Haryana to Upgrade 3,500 km of Roads to 18 Feet; Minister Ranbir Gangwa Emphasizes Quality and Accountability in PWD Review Meeting

Chandigarh, July 23: Haryana’s Public Works Minister, Shri Ranbir Gangwa, chaired a high-level review meeting of the Public Works Department (PWD) at the PWD Rest House in Panchkula. The session focused on the 2025–26 work program and included district-wise project discussions. Senior department officials, including engineers and superintending engineers, were present, while XENs, SDOs, and JEs joined via video conferencing.

Minister Gangwa underlined the importance of quality, transparency, and timely completion of infrastructure projects. He stated firmly that any negligence, delay, or compromise in construction quality would not be tolerated. “Road quality is the first impression of a state’s development. When someone enters a state, they assess its progress through its roads,” he said.

6,500 km Road Repairs and 3,500 km Widening to 18 Feet
Officials informed the minister that 6,500 km of roads have been marked for repair, and around 80% of tender processes have been completed. He directed that the remaining tenders be finalized swiftly to ensure on-time project completion. He also stressed the importance of safe, durable, and wide roads.

The minister announced that 3,500 km of roads across the state would be widened to 18 feet to improve traffic flow and road safety. Progress on departmental buildings under CM announcements was also reviewed, with Gangwa emphasizing that construction quality should be the topmost priority. He ordered strict monitoring of materials, designs, and work methodologies.

Accountability for Field Staff and Site Monitoring
Expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of newly hired beldars (field workers), Gangwa noted that although they are educated, they have not shown active involvement at their workplaces. He directed that a compiled performance report be submitted within 15 days and stressed that all staff should wear uniforms and report on time.

Minister Gangwa also instructed that department-level work, in addition to contractor-led projects, should be expedited. He announced plans to personally inspect sites and review development progress. Any sign of negligence would lead to direct action.

Action on Signboards and Road Safety
On the issue of road safety, the minister gave clear instructions for the immediate repair or replacement of broken or outdated road signboards. He reiterated that the tendering process must be fully transparent to maintain public trust.

“The quality of a state’s road network and infrastructure reflects its development,” he said, adding that all works should be completed on schedule and executed with the highest quality standards.

Material Quality Testing and Timely Handover
Minister Gangwa further instructed that materials used in road and building construction should undergo regular quality checks in departmental laboratories. Once projects are completed and inaugurated, they must be formally handed over to the concerned departments. He also emphasized prompt bill payments after project completion.

Officials Present:
Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Engineers Anil Dahiya and Rajeev Yadav, and HSRDC Managing Director V.S. Malik were among the senior officials present during the meeting.