The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a comprehensive reform of the Public Works Department (PWD) — the first such revamp in nearly thirty years. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has approved a fivefold increase in the financial powers of PWD officers, along with a restructuring of the department’s engineering service framework, aiming to bring greater efficiency, accountability, and speed to project execution.
The move is intended to empower officers with greater autonomy, reduce dependency on higher administrative approvals, and accelerate processes such as tendering, contracting, and infrastructure development. CM Adityanath emphasized that the update was long overdue, as the financial limits had not been revised since 1995, despite a more than 5.5-fold rise in construction costs, as reflected in the Cost Inflation Index.
Following an in-depth departmental review, the state government approved a fivefold enhancement in the sanctioning limits for civil works and at least a twofold increase for electrical and mechanical works. Under the new structure, Chief Engineers can now approve projects up to ₹10 crore (earlier ₹2 crore), Superintending Engineers up to ₹5 crore (earlier ₹1 crore), and Executive Engineers up to ₹2 crore (earlier ₹40 lakh). Assistant Engineers will also have limited powers to clear minor works and tenders, ensuring smoother on-ground decision-making.
The reforms also include amendments to the Uttar Pradesh Engineer Service (PWD) (Higher) Rules, 1990, to modernize and restructure the department’s engineering hierarchy. A new post of Chief Engineer (Level-1) has been introduced, along with an increase in the number of Chief Engineer (Level-2) and Superintending Engineer positions. The revised framework clearly outlines promotion criteria, pay structures, and service conditions, making the system more transparent and merit-based.
According to the government, the overhaul is designed to strengthen administrative efficiency, ensure timely completion of infrastructure projects, and maintain financial discipline across the department. The updated structure marks a significant step toward a more dynamic, accountable, and performance-driven PWD in Uttar Pradesh.