Assam PWRD Enforces Strict Quality Protocols for Rs 3,200-Crore Asom Mala 3.0 Road Project

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: The Assam Public Works Roads Department (PWRD) has directed all concerned officials and implementing agencies to ensure strict quality control and adherence to national standards during construction of roads under the Asom Mala 3.0 project.

Asom Mala 3.0 is a major road infrastructure initiative worth over Rs 3,200 crore. Under this scheme, more than 900 kilometres of roads and 36 bridges will be constructed across Assam to improve inter-state connectivity and strengthen linkages between national highways and rural roads.

An office order issued by the Chief Engineer (Roads), PWRD, stressed that all materials, construction methods and works must strictly conform to prescribed specifications, Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines and relevant Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) standards.

The department has instructed contractors to conduct all mandatory tests at the prescribed frequency, while quality control of input materials and construction activities must be monitored in accordance with the Manual for Quality Control in Road & Bridge Works. A Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) has also been issued for strict implementation throughout the time-bound project.

The PWRD warned that any negligence or execution of works in deviation from IRC standards would be viewed seriously. Regular quality control reports, including test results, observations and remedial measures, will have to be submitted as prescribed under the QAP.

PWD Executive Engineers have been directed to strictly follow the roles and responsibilities specified in the QAP. They must ensure proper handing over of project sites to contractors, maintain numerical accounts of salvageable or reusable materials and ensure that completed works are inspected and certified after necessary field and laboratory tests before contractor bills are submitted for payment.

They have also been instructed to ensure compliance with the Quality Control Register, Stage Passing Register and Non-Conformance Register (NCR) before processing bills.

Superintending Engineers have been directed to personally inspect project works at regular intervals and ensure implementation of the Quality Assurance Plan and relevant standards and specifications.

They will also review quality, advise Project Implementation Units (PIUs) on corrective measures wherever required and report issues requiring additional support to the Project Management Unit (PMU).

A mandatory quality inspection and quality audit report will be required at two stages-when the Running Account (RA) bill exceeds 50% of the contract value and at the completion stage along with the final bill.

Additional Chief Engineers have been instructed to conduct periodic audits and review performance reports received from different circles and divisions. The objective is to identify and address systemic quality issues within their respective jurisdictions.

The department has further stated that if quality monitoring reveals adverse or unsatisfactory findings, or whenever considered necessary, independent inspection and quality assessment may be conducted by the Director of the Assam Road Research and Training Institute (ARR&TI) or other agencies designated by the department.

Necessary laboratory and field tests will be carried out, and appropriate action will be initiated based on the findings.

The PWRD said the success of the prestigious Asom Mala 3.0 project depends on strict compliance with quality assurance protocols and called upon all officials and stakeholders to ensure that the project roads meet national standards of safety, durability and serviceability.

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