The Delhi government is planning a dedicated engineering cadre in PWD, aiming to boost efficiency, reduce bureaucratic delays, and ensure accountability through locally controlled staffing.

In a significant reform, the Delhi government is preparing to establish a separate engineering cadre for its Public Works Department (PWD), moving away from dependence on the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). Under this plan, recruitment, training, promotions, and accountability of engineers will remain under the Delhi government’s control ensuring continuity and efficiency in projects.

Currently, engineers from CPWD are deputed to Delhi PWD for 3–4 years before being transferred elsewhere, often disrupting ongoing projects. The proposed system will create a permanent cadre within PWD Delhi, enabling engineers to remain invested in long-term planning and execution. This shift is expected to improve accountability, as engineers will be directly answerable to the Delhi administration rather than the Centre.

A draft cabinet note is being prepared, with inputs from finance, planning, and law departments before being placed before the Council of Ministers. A committee of experts will also be formed to lay out the roadmap for cadre creation.

PWD Minister Atishi emphasized, “When engineers are directly accountable to the people of Delhi, their productivity and commitment automatically increase. This step will help us build a stronger and faster governance model.”

If approved, this move could position Delhi PWD alongside other local bodies such as MCD, NDMC, and DDA in terms of independent staffing, making it more efficient, transparent, and focused on local developmental goals.