Maharashtra PWD Minister Assures Contractors on Rs 18,000 Crore Pending Dues
In a significant address at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Shivendraraje Bhosale, the Public Works Department (PWD) Minister of Maharashtra, acknowledged on Thursday that the state government has pending dues of approximately Rs 18,000 crore owed to contractors. However, he emphasized that this amount is "not very large" and assured that it will be cleared promptly through budgetary provisions.
Addressing Contractor Protests and Financial Claims
Bhosale's comments came amid widespread protests by contractors across Maharashtra, who have been staging demonstrations in several districts to highlight a severe fund crunch within the PWD. In response, the minister stated that protests are the contractors' "right", while simultaneously reassuring them that the government is actively working to resolve the issue.
He further clarified financial estimates, dismissing claims that PWD liabilities have ballooned to Rs 70,000 crore. "Some estimates wrongly include water supply-related payments. The actual pending dues of the PWD stand at Rs 18,000 crore," Bhosale explained, providing transparency on the state's financial obligations.
Progress on Dues and Infrastructure Funding Initiatives
Highlighting the government's efforts, Bhosale revealed that over the past year, the state has already released Rs 27,000 crore towards clearing contractor dues. "Around Rs 18,000 crore is still pending, but it is not an unmanageable figure. We are making efforts to allocate funds and clear payments at the earliest," he affirmed, underscoring a commitment to financial responsibility.
On the infrastructure front, the minister announced proactive steps to secure funding for road development. Proposals have been sent to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to finance nearly 1,500 km of roads in Maharashtra. Bhosale stressed that these funds would be allocated based on economic impact rather than political considerations.
"The focus will be on roads that connect key cities, industrial zones, and tourism destinations. These projects are aimed at strengthening the state's economic cycle," he said, outlining a strategic approach to infrastructure expansion.
Specific Road Projects and Quality Assurance Measures
Bhosale provided details on upcoming projects, including the planning underway for the Sambhajinagar-Shirur road, with discussions focused on finalizing its alignment. Additionally, a new road connecting the Shendra and Bidkin industrial areas near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is set to be taken up by the department, aiming to boost local connectivity and industrial growth.
In a stern warning on construction standards, the minister reviewed ongoing works and cautioned against compromising on quality. He stated that any projects found to be substandard would be redone by the same contractors, with no leniency tolerated. "There will be no leniency on quality. Contractors have been instructed to adhere strictly to standards," Bhosale declared.
To ensure long-term durability and accountability, he added that for certain projects, contractors would be responsible for maintenance for up to 10 years. This move is designed to foster greater reliability in public infrastructure development across Maharashtra.
