Raipur, Feb 06: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has warned of strict action and blacklisting of contractors found responsible for substandard road construction in Chhattisgarh. Presiding over a high-level review meeting of the Public Works Department (PWD) at Mahanadi Bhawan on Friday, the Chief Minister made it clear that any negligence in infrastructure projects would invite immediate penalties for the concerned officials and firms.
The Chief Minister’s firm stance followed reports of the premature deterioration of the Bagbahar–Kotba road. Expressing his displeasure, Sai noted that the road had turned motorable within just four years of its construction. “If a road cannot last even four years, it raises serious questions about the quality of work,” he said, directing a thorough investigation into the project’s shortcomings.
Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister and PWD Minister Arun Sao, the CM instructed the department to move away from “post-completion” checks. Instead, he mandated regular on-site inspections while construction is still underway. He emphasised that roads are not just technical projects but vital lifelines that shape the public’s trust in governance.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on rural accessibility. The Chief Minister pointed out that nearly 300 villages in the state remain disconnected during the monsoon, forcing residents to carry patients on cots to reach hospitals. He directed the PWD to coordinate with the Food Department to identify these pockets and prioritise the construction of small bridges and all-weather roads.
Regarding administrative efficiency, Sai called for a fixed timeline from the issuance of tenders to the final award of contracts. He observed that contractors often win bids by quoting rates significantly lower than the estimated cost, leading to compromised quality. He asserted that such contractors must be held strictly accountable to the original quality standards regardless of the bid price.
The meeting also touched upon urban aesthetics and land management. The Chief Minister suggested that new government buildings should move away from outdated, repetitive designs in favour of modern architecture and “vertical construction” to save land. He specifically mentioned that the guest house currently under construction at the Raj Bhavan should reflect a dignified and modern design.
Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel and PWD Secretary Dr Kamalpreet Singh, were present at the session. The Chief Minister concluded the meeting by urging the department to establish a proactive system for pothole repairs, noting that while many development works are hidden, the quality of roads is visible to every citizen.