Bhubaneswar: Minister of Law, Works & Excise Prithiviraj Harichandan convened a high-level review meeting on Wednesday to ensure ongoing construction projects are more transparent and efficient.
He instructed officials to implement the revised ‘Schedule of Rates’ within 15 days, aiming for uniformity in material, labour, and machinery costs, while simplifying project approvals and payments.
To remove inconsistencies in tendering, the minister directed standardisation of all bid documents and set specific timelines for all tender-related tasks from chief engineers up to ministerial authorities, according to a government release.
Harichandan also emphasised reducing traffic congestion in Bhubaneswar. He instructed that the ‘Left Parallel’ road project between Jayadev Vihar and Nandankanan continue round the clock and be completed by the month-end. Alternative routes and proper traffic management must be ensured to avoid public inconvenience.
The meeting included discussions on establishing an independent research institute under the Central Road Research Institute framework in Odisha, focusing on new construction technologies. Details of the institute’s structure and operations will be finalised soon.
Officials were also told to achieve all expenditure targets by March 31 and promptly release payments approved in the supplementary budget.
