Chandigarh Chief Secretary H Rajesh Prasad convened a meeting with the Engineering Department on Tuesday to evaluate the progress of ongoing construction and maintenance projects related to roads and buildings in the city. Prasad highlighted the importance of innovation, efficiency, and accountability in meeting the growing administrative and civic needs of Chandigarh’s infrastructure.
During the meeting, a detailed presentation was given on the approved number of technical staff, the current vacancies, and the steps being taken to fill these positions. The Chief Secretary instructed that vacant roles, especially in the technical cadre, be filled promptly to enhance operational efficiency in project execution.
Prasad underscored the Engineering Department’s crucial role in planning, developing, and maintaining the city’s infrastructure. He stressed the necessity for timely project completion and directed the department to monitor closely for any bottlenecks in executing the projects, taking appropriate actions in collaboration with other departments where necessary.
He also mandated that new proposals requiring approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, especially with regard to revised financial delegation, be submitted quickly for concurrence. The Chief Secretary emphasized adherence to timelines and efficient use of the allocated budget for the financial year 2025-26.
The meeting included a review of significant departmental initiatives and best practices. Notably, the privatization of power distribution in Chandigarh was recognized as a major reform aimed at boosting operational efficiency, improving service delivery, and reducing transmission losses. Additionally, the preservation and restoration efforts of the Capitol Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, were discussed along with the updates on ongoing works.
The department’s adoption of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Artificial Intelligence technologies for road maintenance was acknowledged as a significant advancement in utilizing data-driven strategies for urban infrastructure management.
Prasad also reviewed key projects instrumental to the city’s infrastructural development, including the new Hostel Block in Sector 50, Kajheri School, and the IT Block in Sector 46, all of which contribute to enhancing educational and community facilities. Furthermore, he highlighted the construction of 144 government houses in Dhanas and the Emergency Block at GMCH-32 as pivotal developments aimed at fortifying housing and healthcare infrastructure in the union territory.
He called for concerted efforts to expedite the execution of various projects by resolving coordination issues among departments and adopting modern engineering technologies. Prasad urged the Engineering Department to bolster monitoring systems to ensure that all projects are executed to the highest quality and safety standards.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/chandigarh-chief-secretary-directs-timely-execution-of-projects-10307286/
Category: Chandigarh,Cities
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Publish Date: 2025-10-15 00:31:00
