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Himachal caps road contracts at 2 per contractor; 5 PMGSY works terminated in Kagra for poor quality

An inquiry into four poorly constructed roads is underway, said Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh.

2 min readDharamshalaDec 3, 2025 05:01 PM IST

Singh informed the House that the Chief Engineer, PWD Himachal Pradesh, has been directed to conduct a detailed inquiry into the poor construction of four roads in Kangra district. (File)

Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh Wednesday announced that no road contractor in the state will be allowed to execute more than two road construction projects simultaneously.

Additional contracts, he said, will be awarded only after reviewing the completion reports of previously allotted works to ensure accountability and quality in project execution.

Replying to an attention motion under Rule 62 in the Assembly, moved by Congress MLA Bhawani Singh Pathania, regarding delays and substandard work under Phase 3 of the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Kangra district, the minister revealed that at least five contracts under the scheme have already been terminated. These projects, he said, were scrapped after the construction quality was found to be poor and below prescribed standards.

Singh further informed the House that the Chief Engineer, PWD Himachal Pradesh, has been directed to conduct a detailed inquiry into the poor construction of four roads in Kangra district. These roads are among the 27 being built using the Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) technique, which has come under scrutiny following widespread complaints.

MLA Pathania highlighted severe delays and quality lapses in the execution of PMGSY Phase 3 works, particularly those using the FDR method. He pointed out that many contractors had failed to complete even the tarring work, leaving several stretches incomplete and causing inconvenience to residents.

Responding to these concerns, the minister said: “A total of 57 roads are under construction under PMGSY Phase 3 in the Kangra district. Of these, 27 are being constructed through the FDR technique, 23 through the conventional method, and seven using cement technology.” He added that the department was closely monitoring the progress of each project to ensure timely completion.

Vikramaditya Singh also announced that preference in future contract awards will be given to Himachal-based contractors to promote local participation and strengthen the state’s construction sector.

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He informed the House that SNA SPARSH, an online financial mechanism introduced by the Central government, has affected the timely release of payments to contractors. “The department has resolved many of the issues associated with the system, and efforts are underway to streamline the remaining hurdles,” Singh said.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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