Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has launched quality audit of all ongoing infrastructure projects under the Works Department that carry an estimated cost exceeding exceeding Rs 10 crore.
This initiative follows a high-level review meeting held on July 8 at the Lokaseva Bhawan Convention Centre, which was chaired by Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan. During the session, the Principal Secretary of the Works Department issued strict instructions to assess construction standards and ensure that all high-value projects strictly adhere to prescribed government specifications.
In line with the government’s directive, the Chief Engineer, Research, Development and Quality Promotion (R&D), Works Department, has instructed all Superintending Engineers across the state’s Quality Control (R&B) Divisions,including Bhubaneswar, Kataka, Sambalpur, Rayagada, Keonjhar, and Brahmapur, to fast-track the audit schedule. These divisions are required to verify the preliminary project lists obtained from the offices of the Engineer-in-Chief (Civil), Roads-I, and Chief Engineer, Roads-II. Working in coordination with local Roads and Buildings divisions, they must finalise the list of eligible projects and submit a tentative audit schedule to the main office within seven days for onward submission to the state government, the letter issued on July 15 said.
The quality audits are expected to cover major roads, bridges, and government buildings across the state.
By verifying construction metrics against approved guidelines, the Works Department aims to identify structural or procedural deficiencies early, allowing for immediate corrective action and reinforcing accountability in public infrastructure spending.
