PWD upgrading research laboratory, says minister

Tribune News Service

Patiala, August 12

The Public Works Department (PWD) is upgrading its quality control mechanism with an approximate investment of Rs 7 crore at the research laboratory in the city. This was stated by Vijay Inder Singla, PWD Minister.

He said the art equipment was being incorporated under the initiative to ensure quality infrastructure. The department aims to conduct a range of tests for building materials — from the pre-construction phase till post-construction — to make sure that the construction was according to the project specifications. After this, a majority of tests, which are currently being conducted at private labs, will be conducted at the research labs of the department itself.

The department, which has been given the approval to purchase quality control equipment for Rs 2.82 crore, will also conduct on-field testing with the help of a mobile testing van.

Vijay Inder Singla said the purchase of equipment had already begun. “The mobile testing van will be functional from September this year.” He added: “Equipment, including falling weight deflectometer for structural evaluation and strengthening of flexible road pavements, retro reflectometer for road markings and signage, and nuclear density gauge, will now be available in the lab. With these, we will be able to conduct 13 more laboratory tests, along with 34 tests already being conducted.”

The department has also deputed additional staff for training the field staff for carrying out the tests in field and laboratory.

Officials say the building of the research laboratory in the city is under renovation and a library with latest publication journals and relevant engineering standards is being established at the research lab.

Officials say with this, the revenue of the department will increase as samples received from various engineering departments, including Irrigation, Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA), Punjab Health System Corporation, Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation (PSIDC), Vigilance, will also be tested at a nominal fee.