• Source:JND
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Construction of over 2,000 roads across various districts in Uttar Pradesh is expected to be delayed until October, as the Public Works Department (PWD) is yet to finalise its action plan. The delay, compounded by the onset of the monsoon, is set to impact development works worth more than Rs 6,900 crore.

Despite clear instructions from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who also heads the PWD, the department has not completed the groundwork required to begin the projects. In a recent review meeting, the Chief Minister expressed dissatisfaction over the department's preparedness and directed officials to ensure that at least two to three projects are initiated in every assembly constituency under departmental schemes. He also stressed the need for giving top priority to development across constituencies.

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To expedite progress, the Chief Minister had instructed that road construction proposals from all districts be submitted by June 30. However, with the monsoon season underway, significant delays in execution are anticipated.

The current road development plan includes:

-Widening of 83 state highways

-Upgradation of 38 major district roads

-Repair of 726 other district roads and 141 religious roads

-Widening of 21 roads under the logistics plan

-Reconstruction of 1,114 rural roads across 309 assembly constituencies

In total, more than Rs 6,900 crore has been earmarked for these infrastructure projects.

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Notably, in the previous financial year, the PWD had to surrender approximately Rs 7,000 crore on March 31, due to delays in executing its action plan. The department had failed to utilise the entire budget allocated by the government.

With a similar pattern emerging this year, concerns are mounting over the lack of urgency and accountability within the department. This, despite the Chief Minister's repeated instructions to ensure the timely and high-quality execution of development works.