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Delhi's Public Works Department (PWD) has introduced random inspections across road projects to improve construction quality and durability. Engineers will conduct on-site checks using modern equipment to assess materials and execution during different stages of construction. The move aims to detect issues early, reduce delays, and ensure accountability among contractors. The department is also working on setting up in-house testing facilities to speed up verification processes. This comes as Delhi undertakes large-scale road repairs and redevelopment to improve overall urban infrastructure and reduce recurring maintenance problems.
The Public Works Department (PWD) in Delhi has started carrying out random inspections of road and infrastructure projects to improve construction quality and ensure better long-term performance. The focus is on monitoring projects during execution rather than relying only on final inspections after completion.
Under this system, officials and engineers are visiting project sites without prior notice and checking different aspects of construction. These include the thickness of road layers, quality of bitumen, strength of materials, and adherence to approved standards. The aim is to identify any gaps at an early stage so that corrective action can be taken immediately, instead of allowing defects to continue until completion.
PWD Minister Parvesh Verma indicated that improving road quality is a priority and that stronger monitoring is necessary across all ongoing works. He stated that random inspections, supported by modern equipment, would help ensure that contractors follow proper construction practices and maintain quality standards throughout the project cycle.
The department is also introducing advanced portable testing machines that allow engineers to check material quality directly at the construction site. This reduces dependence on samples being sent to external laboratories and helps in faster decision-making. At present, contractors are required to get materials tested from recognised engineering institutions, but this often delays the process due to waiting time for reports.
To address this, PWD is working towards setting up its own in-house material testing system. Once operational, this will allow quicker verification of construction materials and reduce project delays linked to testing approvals. It will also help the department maintain better control over quality checks and standardisation across projects.
This step comes at a time when a large part of Delhi's road network is undergoing repair, strengthening, and redevelopment. The government has been focusing on improving road conditions, reducing dust pollution, and addressing issues such as potholes and uneven surfaces. Several stretches are being redeveloped through contractors under PWD supervision, making quality monitoring an important part of execution.
In the past, the department has also announced plans to repair and upgrade hundreds of kilometres of roads across the city. However, recurring complaints about road damage after short periods have highlighted the need for stricter supervision and better construction practices. The introduction of random inspections is aimed at addressing these concerns directly.
By shifting towards real-time monitoring and on-site testing, the PWD is trying to ensure that infrastructure projects meet required standards from the beginning. This approach is expected to reduce rework, control costs linked to poor construction, and improve the overall lifespan of roads in the city.
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