Mumbai, Nov. 2 -- Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh Ashish Kundra reviewed the progress of Public Works Department (PWD) projects on October 29, directing officials to take time-bound action to address implementation delays. The meeting assessed the financial and physical progress of ongoing infrastructure works and examined coordination issues among executing agencies.
Secretary, PWD, Baseer Ul Haq Chaudhary presented an overview of schemes under the State Sector, Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and other development programmes. The review covered Special Development Package works, projects being executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), completed works and challenges affecting implementation across Ladakh.
Kundra directed the department to prepare a consolidated assessment of major road and building projects being implemented by the PWD, BRO, Central Public Works Department and National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation. The assessment is to include financial requirements, physical progress, implementation timelines and outstanding issues.
The meeting identified land acquisition, land availability, wildlife clearances, regulatory approvals and other constraints as issues requiring coordinated resolution. The Chief Secretary called for dedicated consultations with BRO and other executing agencies, involving Deputy Commissioners and relevant stakeholders, and directed departments to record the reasons for delays alongside practical solutions and realistic timelines.
Officials were also asked to maintain documentation of completed works through photographs and district-wise progress reports. The review covered connectivity for unconnected villages, maintenance requirements, expenditure, CRIF projects and other development schemes, with instructions to prioritise works according to public needs, connectivity requirements and available resources.
Building infrastructure for government departments and newly constituted Hill Development Councils, integrated tendering, project estimate rationalisation and delegation of financial and administrative powers were also discussed. The status of medical college infrastructure was reviewed, with the PWD and other agencies directed to coordinate on outstanding works and report progress at a follow-up meeting after ten days. Senior PWD, planning and special projects officials attended the meeting.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.