Shimla: Specialised training planned to enhance skills of PWD officers

In a bid to keep pace with evolving technologies and strengthen institutional capacity, the Public Works Department (PWD) has launched a specialised training initiative for officers at the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) level and above. The move was announced by PWD Secretary Abhishek Jain during the formal launch of the department’s Annual Training Calendar.

Jain said the calendar outlines year-round training programmes designed to enhance in-service skills and prepare officers for future responsibilities. “The training calendar not only focuses on in-service skill enhancement but also emphasises capacity building for future responsibilities,” he said.

To meet growing challenges in infrastructure development, the department would offer specialised technical training through reputed institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other nationally recognised engineering and management institutes. Areas of focus include road safety, sustainable infrastructure, green building technologies, e-governance, project management and the use of new-age construction materials.

As approved by Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, the calendar also introduces mandatory training for officers being considered for promotions — from Junior Engineers to SDOs and from SDOs to Executive Engineers. In addition, zonal-level training sessions would be organised, covering officers from all PWD wings including electrical, mechanical and architectural divisions.

Jain said with the pace of technological advancement, there is an urgent need to equip officers with modern engineering know-how for designing and constructing roads, tunnels, bridges and buildings. Training modules would include geotechnical studies, environmental assessments, Building Information Modelling (BIM), GIS-based planning and modern survey techniques using drones.

Alongside external collaborations, in-house training would also be conducted in partnership with reputed technical institutes. The first phase of the programme aims to cover around 400 senior officers, ensuring leadership roles across the department are aligned with the latest technological and financial best practices.

Jain credited the initiative to the vision of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who has consistently emphasised capacity building, innovation and the adoption of modern governance practices. He said the training framework is expected to significantly enhance efficiency, accountability and service delivery across the PWD — ultimately leading to improved infrastructure outcomes for the people of the state.