UP PWD Mandates 5% Cut In Road Project Estimates, Engineers Warn Of Quality Compromise

For the first time, the Public Works Department (PWD) has issued a directive to prepare road construction estimates at five per cent lower than the actual cost in Uttar Pradesh. A standard proforma outlining this cost-reduction model has been circulated to all districts by the PWD headquarters, instructing engineers to follow the revised estimation guidelines.

The move, however, has raised serious concerns regarding the quality of road construction. According to ND Dwivedi, President of the PWD Diploma Engineers Association, such a cost-cutting approach compromises the integrity of projects. He stressed that if the construction is to be executed at reduced costs, the estimation itself should reflect that, rather than encouraging underquoting in tenders.

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The new system has created confusion among engineers and contractors, who argue that aggressive bidding could lead to 15–20 per cent reductions in tender amounts, directly impacting the standard of materials and execution.

Dwivedi emphasised the need for the PWD to independently determine the accurate estimated cost of road projects to maintain transparency and ensure quality.

Meanwhile, contractors are reportedly planning to boycott tenders under the new system, which may delay road construction activities. A similar situation occurred last year when PWD had to surrender Rs 7,000 crore due to delays in the action plan caused by a lack of participation.

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If the current dispute remains unresolved, the department could once again face setbacks in infrastructure development across the state.