While the new unit will operate at the central level, regional TLQA units will continue their regular inspections within their jurisdictions. They have been instructed to submit quarterly inspection and compliance reports to the central unit, ensuring coordination and accountability.

The CPWD is a wing under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), which takes up projects of national importance, including roads, bridges, hospitals, residential complexes, and parks.

The order clarified that this centralised structure is being created to “augment the existing quality assurance framework” rather than replace ongoing mechanisms.

Until permanent posts are created, the ADG (Tech), assisted by the Chief Engineer (Civil Standards and Quality), will allocate duties to existing staff.

“Concerned SDG/ADG must ensure that the Regional Units continue their inspections and submit the quarterly inspection and compliance report to this special unit. Creation of this special centralized unit is only to augment the existing quality assurance framework at the Directorate, CPWD,” read the note.

The Department is likely to undertake structural safety audits of Government buildings under its jurisdiction, particularly in the national capital, and initiate their retrofitting or re-strengthening within the prescribed period.

The priority will be accorded to structures falling high-risk matrix, such as hospitals, institutional buildings, school or colleges. As per the action plan, the audit is to be completed in a year and the deadline set for retrofitting is two years thereafter.