PWD's research lab plays key role in ensuring high-quality construction in Punjab: Harbhajan Singh ETO

Punjab Public Works and Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Monday said that the Punjab Public Works Department's Research Laboratory spearheaded efforts to ensure world-class construction quality played a crucial role in maintaining the highest Construction Standards in the state besides earning approximately Rs 1.5 crore in fees from testing materials used for construction works during the financial year 2024-25.

Sharing this information in a press release issued, Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO highlighted that the lab is the only facility under the Punjab Public Works (B&R) Department that caters to the testing needs of multiple departments, including Local Bodies, Water Resources Department (WRD), Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA), Panchayati Raj, Punjab Mandi Board, and State Vigilance, in addition to PWD (B&R).

The PWD minister said that the laboratory's accreditation as a National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) Certified facility in 2022 has further solidified its status as the sole government lab in Punjab with this prestigious certification, valid until December 2028.

The Cabinet Minister said that all testing equipment at the lab is meticulously calibrated according to relevant standards, ensuring accuracy and reliability in the 59 tests.

“The lab is also equipped with advanced Non-Destructive Testing equipment, such as Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD), Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV), Nuclear Test Gauge, and traffic sign checking tools”, he added.

Expounding on the lab's capabilities, the Public Works Minister said that it is well-equipped to conduct soil testing for foundations and assess various construction materials, including bricks, gravel, sand, cement, concrete, bitumen, and iron bars.

He said the lab also specializes in designing Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM) and Asphalt Concrete (AC) mixes for bitumen and concrete works.

PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO reiterated the Punjab government's unwavering commitment, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to uphold the highest standards in construction quality.

He said that clear instructions have been issued to the department to conduct maximum checks to further enhance the quality of development works. Additionally, efforts are being made to raise public awareness about these quality assurance measures.