No Compromise on Quality in Road Construction: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Officials Directed to Conduct Regular Field Inspections; Action Against Negligence and Blacklisting of Contractors

Raipur, March 2026 : Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has taken a strict stand regarding the quality and timely completion of road construction works in the state. He clearly stated that any negligence or substandard work in road construction will not be tolerated. If any shortcomings are found in construction work, strict action will be taken against the concerned officials and the contractors responsible will be blacklisted.

The Chief Minister issued these instructions during a high-level review meeting of the Public Works Department (PWD) at the Ministry’s Mahanadi Bhavan. Deputy Chief Minister and PWD Minister Arun Sao was also present at the meeting.

The Chief Minister directed officials to regularly visit construction sites and monitor quality during the construction process rather than inspecting roads only after completion. He emphasized that road construction is not merely a technical task but an important infrastructure activity directly linked to public convenience and the government’s credibility. If roads deteriorate within a few years of construction, it affects the government’s reliability.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed displeasure over the poor condition of the Bagbahar–Kotba road. He noted that the road was constructed only a few years ago but has already deteriorated rapidly. If a road does not even last four years, it defeats the purpose of its construction. He directed officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the shortcomings in the project and ensure strict monitoring of quality during construction in the future.

The Chief Minister also said that although large-scale road construction projects are underway in the state, the public often remains unaware of them, preventing the creation of a positive narrative. He directed that foundation stone laying and inauguration ceremonies of major road projects should be conducted by the Chief Minister and ministers and widely presented before the public.

Officials were instructed to fix a clear timeline for the entire process—from issuing road construction tenders to awarding the contract. He pointed out that some contractors secure tenders at extremely low (below-rate) bids, which often leads to delays and compromises in quality. In such cases, accountability must be fixed. If a contractor wins a tender at a below-rate bid, it will be their responsibility to complete the work within the stipulated timeline and maintain the required quality standards.

The Chief Minister also stressed the need to prepare a clear framework to ensure quality and timely completion of construction works. Officials were asked to study best practices adopted in other states and implement suitable provisions in Chhattisgarh. He also suggested seriously considering the creation of a separate unit to handle technical tasks such as tenders and DPR preparation.

He further stated that around 300 villages in the state have been identified where connectivity is completely cut off during the rainy season. In such villages, people often have to carry sick patients on cots to reach medical facilities, which is a serious concern. Based on the list provided by the Food Department, these villages should be connected through roads and bridges on a priority basis.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the need to construct the Lailunga–Kunjara–Tolgepahar–Milupra–Tamnar road, noting that a large population lives in the region and a road is urgently required. While a part of the route requires forest clearance, construction work on the remaining sections should begin at the earliest.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of National Highway No. 43 from Manendragarh–Surajpur–Ambikapur–Pathalgaon–Kunkuri–Jashpur to the Jharkhand border, a project spanning about 353 km. Updates were shared regarding land acquisition compensation in the Pathalgaon–Kunkuri section. In addition, the progress of several other road projects—including Ambikapur–Semarsot–Ramanujganj–Garhwa road, Geedam–Dantewada road, Champa–Sakti–Raigarh–Odisha border road, Raipur–Durg road, and roads in the Chilphi region—was reviewed.

The meeting also discussed in detail the construction and upgradation of 17 roads, including bridges and culverts in the Bastar region. A detailed outline of the upcoming action plan under the State Express Road Connectivity project was also presented.

Reviewing building construction works, the Chief Minister said that the designs of government buildings in the state appear outdated and similar. He stated that it is time to construct government buildings based on modern design and technology. Building designs should be functional and promote vertical structures instead of horizontal expansion for better land utilization. He also directed that the guest house being built at Raj Bhavan should be developed in a modern and dignified manner.

The Chief Minister added that roads are directly connected with the daily lives of people, and citizens attach great importance to their quality. While many development works may not be visible to the public, roads are clearly visible and often shape the government’s image. Therefore, the Public Works Department is an extremely important department, and its projects must be completed with strict adherence to quality and timelines.

He also directed officials to develop a system that can quickly identify potholes on roads and ensure they are repaired immediately.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh, PWD Secretary Kamalpreet Singh, CM’s Secretary Mukesh Bansal, CM’s Secretary Rahul Bhagat, and senior officials of the Public Works Department.