Bhopal, Following recent technical flaws in flyover and railway overbridge projects in Madhya Pradesh, the Public Works Department (PWD) has taken a major decision to review the efficiency and technical knowledge of engineers. The department will now conduct technical tests of approximately 1,500 engineers across the state. This initiative aims to improve the quality of construction work and ensure strict adherence to technical standards.

Exam on Technical Knowledge

The PWD will require engineers to complete questionnaires based on departmental circulars, guidelines, technical standards, and construction regulations. This test will assess how seriously officers read, understand, and implement departmental instructions.

Engineers who fail to meet the prescribed standards will be immediately removed from field duties and placed in a special training program.

Exams will be conducted after the training

The department has clarified that training will not be merely a formal process. Special emphasis will be placed on new construction techniques, quality control, technical processes, and addressing challenges faced at the field level.

After completing the training, engineers will be re-examined. Only those officers who perform satisfactorily will be awarded certificates. The department wants engineers to utilize the new technical knowledge in actual construction projects after training.

Training will be tailored to field needs

The training program will be aligned with practical needs. Special attention will be given to modern construction techniques, quality control, project management, and resolving technical issues encountered during construction. After the completion of the training, feedback will be collected from participants to ensure the program can be made more effective in the future.

Decision Made Following Technical Disputes

This decision follows several recent construction controversies. The department's handling of the sharp 90-degree bend on the Polo Ground Railway Overbridge in Indore has come under scrutiny. Furthermore, technical deficiencies discovered at the Rajendra Nagar Railway Overbridge have raised serious concerns about quality control.

Following these incidents, questions were raised about the technical competence of engineers and the departmental monitoring system, leading the PWD to take this step.

Outstanding Engineers to be Honored

The PWD has also decided that efficiency will now be the primary criterion for the Public Works Awards presented on Engineers' Day on September 15th.

Excellent construction work, technological innovation, quality, timely project completion, and work done in the public interest will be given special consideration in the award selection. The department will also focus on ensuring quality, financial discipline, and accountability in construction projects, so that government directives are not limited to paper but are visible on the ground.