India’s development journey has always been closely tied to its infrastructure. Roads, bridges, government buildings, and public utilities all form the backbone of a functioning state—and behind much of this work stands the Public Works Department (PWD). Operating at both central and state levels, the PWD plays a critical role in the design, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure across the country.
About Public Works Department
The Public Works Department is a government agency responsible for the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure. Established during the British colonial period, the PWD has evolved to become a vital part of state governance, ensuring the development of physical infrastructure needed for economic and social progress.
Each Indian state has its own PWD, functioning under the supervision of the respective state government. There is also a Central Public Works Department (CPWD), which operates under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and handles construction projects of national importance.
List of Indian States having PWD
Core functions of PWD
1. Roads and Highways: One of the primary responsibilities of the PWD is the construction and upkeep of state highways, major district roads, and rural roads. This ensures connectivity and economic integration across regions.
2. Government Buildings: The department constructs and maintains government offices, courts, hospitals, schools, and other public-use buildings.
3. Bridges and Flyovers: PWD is responsible for building bridges and flyovers, which are essential for easing traffic congestion and improving transport efficiency.
4. Water Supply and Sewerage: In many states, PWD is also tasked with implementing water supply and drainage projects, especially in urban and semi-urban areas.
5. Project Consultancy: PWD often acts as a technical consultant for various public sector projects, offering design, engineering, and project management expertise.
Structure & Workforce
A Chief Engineer typically heads the PWD. Below this level are Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, Assistant Engineers, and Junior Engineers. Many PWD engineers are recruited through state public service commissions or through engineering services examinations.
1. Ministerial Level
- Minister for Public Works
Political head of the department, usually a cabinet-level minister in the state government or union government. - Secretary / Principal Secretary (PWD)
Senior IAS officer responsible for administrative control, policy-making, and coordination with other departments.
2. Engineering Cadre (Technical Hierarchy)
Top Level
- Engineer-in-Chief / Director General (Works)
Highest-ranking technical officer; oversees all engineering functions and policy implementation.
Senior Management
- Chief Engineer (CE)
Heads a major zone or region; responsible for planning, budget approvals, and overall supervision. - Additional Chief Engineer (in some states)
Assists Chief Engineers in managing zones or large projects.
Middle Management
- Superintending Engineer (SE)
Oversees multiple divisions within a circle; monitors progress and ensures quality compliance. - Executive Engineer (EE / XEN)
In charge of one division; responsible for executing projects and managing subordinate staff.
Operational Level
- Assistant Engineer (AE / AEN)
Supervises fieldwork, site inspections, and daily technical tasks in a sub-division. - Junior Engineer (JE / JEN)
On-ground engineer handling specific sites, measurements, and direct work execution.
3. Supporting Cadre
- Architects and Draftsmen
- Surveyors
- Clerical and Administrative Staff
- Accounts and Finance Officers
- IT and Technical Support Staff
State Wise list of Website of PWD
| Sl.no | State PWD | Website |
| 1 | Karnataka Public Works Department | Click here |
| 2 | Kerala Public Works Department | Click here |
| 3 | Tamil Nadu Public Works Department | Click here |
| 4 | Maharashtra Public Works Department | Click here |
| 5 | Roads and Buildings Department, Gujarat | Click here |
| 6 | Delhi Public Works Department | Click here |
| 7 | Madhya Pradesh Public Works Department | Click here |
| 8 | West Bengal Public Works Department | Click here |
| 9 | Rajasthan Public Works Department | Click here |
| 10 | Uttarakhand Public Works Department | Click here |
| 11 | Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department | Click here |
| 12 | Central Public Works Department | Click here |
| 13 | Odisha Public Works Department | Click here |
| 14 | Assam Public Works Department | Click here |
| 15 | Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department | Click here |
| 16 | Jharkhand Public Works Department | Click here |
| 17 | Chattisgarh Public Works Department | Click here |
| 18 | Goa Public Works Department | Click here |
| 19 | Haryana Public Works Department | Click here |
| 20 | Manipur Public Works Department | Click here |
| 21 | Mizoram Public Works Department | Click here |
| 22 | Punjab Public Works Department | Click here |
| 23 | Sikkim Public Works Department | Click here |
| 24 | Telengana Public Works Department | Click here |
| 25 | Jammu & Kashmir Public Works Department | Click here |
| 26 | Puducherry Public Works Department | Click here |
| 27 | Daman & Diu Public Works Department | Click here |
| 28 | Nagaland Public Works Department | Click here |