Will blacklist if work not up to mark, PWD Minister warns contractors

Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Verma on Saturday issued strict instructions to department officials and contractors to maintain the quality of work while building roads in the city.

“We are building roads and drainage systems that will last for years. If any compromise in quality is found, the contractor will be blacklisted and the responsible officials will be suspended,” Verma said while inspecting the Rohtak road that connects Haryana with Delhi.

Notably, the Rohtak road has been in a poor condition for the past some time following which the residents lodged several complaints with the authorities.

Taking note of their complaints, the Minister had recently transferred the road construction responsibility from the Public Works Department (PWD) to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

“The condition of the Rohtak road was extremely bad, and people often complained that no government representative ever visited. Now, drainage work has started, and the entire road has been handed over to the NHAI. The PWD and Flood Control Department are working together on this project,” he said.

The 18-km stretch from Peeragarhi Chowk to Tikri Border is set for redevelopment. The drainage construction is expected to cost approximately Rs 115 crore and is scheduled for completion within 14 months.

Since this project involves areas where Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) and three Delhi Metro stations are located, necessary permissions will be required.

Verma directed officials to expedite the approval process to avoid unnecessary delays. “Delays in obtaining permissions lead to increased project costs. So, this should be prioritised,” he emphasised.

The Minister also pointed out that “poor stretches” contribute to rising pollution levels and assured residents that the Delhi government is committed to constructing durable and high-quality roads. He reassured the public that the road and drainage work would be completed within the given timeframe, ensuring smoother connectivity between Delhi and Haryana.