The Centre has approved Delhi’s proposal to create a separate Delhi PWD engineering cadre, moving 3,214 sanctioned engineering posts out of the Central Public Works Department cadre in a reform the Delhi government says will speed up infrastructure projects and improve accountability.
The approval clears the way for an independent engineering cadre for the Delhi Public Works Department, an issue that had remained pending for nearly three decades. The Delhi Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, had earlier approved the proposal before it was sent for consideration by the Union government.
The 3,214 posts cover 36 categories in the PWD’s engineering wing. Until now, the department’s engineering services have largely depended on the CPWD cadre, with appointments being made through the Centre’s system. The new arrangement will give the Delhi government greater control over the availability and deployment of engineers within its public works administration.
Gupta said the separate cadre would help the government fill vacancies faster, ensure adequate availability of engineers and monitor projects more effectively. She also said the arrangement would allow public works to be executed in line with Delhi’s requirements.
The reform is expected to affect the way the department manages roads, bridges, office buildings and other public assets. The Delhi government is also planning major infrastructure projects, including construction of a new Secretariat and mini-secretariats in all 11 districts. A dedicated engineering structure is intended to link responsibility for these works more closely with the state government’s administrative framework.
The change is also expected to place project monitoring and performance assessment within a more directly accountable system. According to the Delhi government, a separate cadre will help strengthen the engineering system and improve transparency in the delivery of public works.
“For nearly three decades, Delhi awaited this important reform. The approval for a separate Delhi PWD Engineering Cadre is a landmark decision that will give the capital a stronger, more accountable and future-ready engineering system,” PWD Minister Parvesh Verma said.
“This will accelerate infrastructure projects, improve transparency and help us deliver better roads, bridges, public buildings and civic infrastructure to the people of Delhi,” Verma added.
The approval now sets the administrative process for establishing the Delhi PWD Engineering Cadre in motion. The department’s next steps will include implementing the new cadre structure and aligning its sanctioned posts, appointments and project responsibilities with the Delhi government’s administrative system.
