*Post-Monsoon Highway Repairs in Full Swing: Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao Directs Speedy Completion of Highway Repairs by Year-End*
*PWD Secretary Dr. Kamal Preet Singh Reviews Progress of National Highway Projects*
*20 National Highway Repair Works Under Progress; Work Orders for 3 More to Be Issued Soon*
Ashish kashyap Bilaspur. // With the end of the monsoon season, large-scale repair work on national highways across Chhattisgarh has gained momentum. Deputy Chief Minister and Public Works Minister Shri Arun Sao has directed that all ongoing repair projects be completed by December this year. Public Works Department Secretary Dr. Kamal Preet Singh chaired a review meeting today with officials from the National Highways Division to assess the progress of repairs, new constructions, and upcoming projects. Engineer-in-Chief Shri V.K. Bhatpahri was also present at the meeting.
During the review, Dr. Kamal Preet Singh emphasized that the post-monsoon period offers the most favorable conditions for road repairs and construction, urging officials to make full use of this time period. He instructed all divisions to expedite work while ensuring strict adherence to quality and deadlines. Dr. Singh also directed that contractors complete all components of the Short-Term Maintenance Contracts (STMC) under the repair programme. He stressed that ongoing works should not be halted and must be finished at an accelerated pace, with all highway repairs completed by December.
Dr. Singh reviewed the progress of highways currently under construction in the state and sought detailed updates on the status of administrative approvals, cost estimates, tenders, work orders, and initiation of works. He instructed that the earthwork component of all projects sanctioned in the financial year 2025–26 be completed by January 2026. Besides, he asked officials to expedite land acquisition for new projects in coordination with district collectors.
The Secretary also directed focused efforts to improve identified “black spots” on highways to reduce road accidents and stressed the need to install clear and adequate road signage to ensure public convenience and safety.
Officials from the National Highways Division informed that a total of 23 repair projects worth ₹88.58 crore have been approved under state supervision. Out of these, repair work for contracts worth ₹71.49 crore is currently ongoing. These projects include key routes such as National Highway-130 (Abhanpur–Rajim–Gariaband–Devbhog), National Highway-130B, National Highway-353 (Ghodari–Mahasamund–Bagbahara–Odisha border), National Highway-930, National Highway-30, National Highway-63 (Bhopalpatanam–Jagdalpur), and National Highway-49.
In addition, contracts have been finalized for repair work on National Highway-43 (Katni–Gulma route), National Highway-45 (Ratanpur–Kenda–Kenochi route), and National Highway-153 (Raigarh–Sarangarh–Saraipali route). Work orders for these stretches will be issued shortly, after which on-ground repair activities will commence.
The meeting was attended by Additional Secretary Shri S.N. Srivastava, Chief Engineer (National Highways) Shri Gyaneshwar Kashyap along with senior department officials.
