Massive corruption in road construction by long-serving PWD engineers in Raipur

Corruption Continues Unchecked in PWD: Fresh Scam Surfaces in Raipur Road Construction

Raipur: Corruption cases in the Public Works Department (PWD) refuse to die down, with one scam after another surfacing across Chhattisgarh. Previously, five engineers were suspended over major irregularities in the resurfacing of Mowa Overbridge. Another case in the Bastar division involved a large-scale road construction scam, where an FIR was filed against several engineers, who were also linked to the murder of a journalist investigating the corruption.

Now, a new case has emerged in the heart of the capital city, Raipur, where PWD engineers—who have remained in key positions for decades—have allegedly engaged in massive corruption in road construction projects. This latest revelation once again raises serious questions about accountability and governance.

Fresh Corruption in ₹22 Crore Road Project

The latest case involves serious allegations of corruption in the construction of critical roads, including the Jora-Dhanelli route in Raipur, which is being built at a cost exceeding ₹22 crore. Complaints have surfaced about substandard asphalt resurfacing, raising concerns about the quality and durability of the work. The project, meant to enhance connectivity in the capital region, is now under scrutiny for financial mismanagement and technical flaws.

Following these complaints, the Chief Engineer has issued strong reprimands to key officials associated with the project. Executive Engineer Abhinav Srivastava, who has been stationed in Raipur for over 18 years, along with SDO JK Sahu and Sub-Engineer Anshuman, have been served official notices. The Chief Engineer has also recommended disciplinary action against them.

Political Influence and Lack of Accountability

Despite the issuance of notices, insiders believe that strict action is unlikely against the influential Executive Engineer, Abhinav Srivastava. Reports suggest that he has strong connections within the government and powerful relatives holding key positions. Over the years, several corruption cases have been brushed under the carpet due to the political clout of officials involved.

Many past cases of corruption in PWD have been ignored without any meaningful action. For instance, similar irregularities were reported in the construction of the security wall of a high-risk jail facility in Raipur. Despite the significance of the project for city security, no action was taken against those responsible for the poor quality of work.

Recurring Pattern of Corruption in PWD

This case is part of a broader pattern of corruption in Chhattisgarh’s PWD. While some officials face temporary suspensions or notices, very few are held accountable in the long run. The failure to take decisive action in previous cases has emboldened corrupt practices within the department, leading to repeated financial mismanagement and poor infrastructure quality.

With public infrastructure projects at stake, citizens and activists are demanding stricter oversight and legal action against the accused engineers. However, whether the administration will take concrete steps or allow the matter to fade away like previous scandals remains to be seen.