"Resumption of Centrally Funded PWD Projects Imminent in Rajasthan"

The public works department (PWD) in Rajasthan is poised to resume six categories of work primarily funded by the central government, subject to approval from Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari. The projects include those backed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), and Rajasthan State Highway Authority. The decision to seek approval for the resumption of these projects was made during a recent review meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, who also holds the position of PWD minister. The focus is on projects funded by the central government, with no discussions held regarding state-funded initiatives during the meeting. National highways and CRIF-category roads, both financed by the central government, are expected to restart upon approval. The national highways projects in the state have a budget of around Rs 1,300 crore, while CRIF-funded roads amount to Rs 812 crore for the current fiscal year. Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, a fully central government-funded scheme, is set to resume with approximately Rs 672 crore allocated for projects in the region. The Rajasthan State Highway Authority (RSHA), an autonomous entity funded by the World Bank and ADB, is also awaiting approval to recommence its work on state roads with a budget of Rs 1,718 crore. Roads funded by the Railways and HPCL will also see a resumption of work once approvals are granted. A detailed note on the six categories of work will be prepared and submitted for approval to the Deputy Chief Minister-cum-PWD Minister, with further actions to be taken based on her instructions. Earlier, a finance department order had imposed a halt on new tenders and the issuance of work orders for ongoing projects.

ET