CPWD adopts ‘SANKALP’ framework as roadmap for future-ready public infrastructure
Union minister Manohar Lal launched several digital initiatives, including the e-NIRMIT ERP Modules, aimed at improving transparency, project monitoring and operational efficiency.
Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal addresses the 172nd Annual Day celebrations of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Sunday.
NEW DELHI: The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has unveiled ‘SANKALP’ as its guiding framework for transforming the organisation into a future-ready, technology-driven public infrastructure agency, with Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal calling for greater speed, transparency, digital adoption and public-centric governance.
The minister announced the vision while addressing the 172nd Annual Day celebrations of CPWD at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Sunday, marking more than 172 years of the department’s contribution to nation-building through public infrastructure development.
SANKALP: Seven Pillars for a Future-Ready CPWD
The minister said the acronym SANKALP represents the core values that should shape CPWD’s future:
- S – Speed
- A – Accessibility
- N – Nekneeyat (Integrity and Good Intent)
- K – Kartavyanishtha (Commitment to Duty)
- A – Adoption of Technology
- L – Lokhit (Public Interest)
- P – Pardarshita (Transparency)
He said these principles would help align CPWD’s functioning with the national vision of Viksit Bharat, while strengthening project delivery, governance and institutional efficiency.
Push for Sustainable and Digital Infrastructure
The minister urged CPWD to accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly construction practices, modern engineering technologies and digital project management systems. He also stressed the need for:
- Faster and transparent project execution
- Wider adoption of digital technologies
- Continuous institutional reforms
- An efficient online transfer and posting system
- Stronger capacity building for engineers and officials
As part of the celebrations, the minister launched several digital initiatives, including the e-NIRMIT ERP Modules, aimed at improving transparency, project monitoring and operational efficiency. He also released new technical publications, the annual in-house magazine Nirman Bharati, the book India’s Urban Transformation: Reflections from Policy and Practice, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ coffee table book India’s Urban Momentum: Towards Making Our Cities Liveable.
National Council for Public Works Proposed
Addressing the gathering, Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Srinivas Katikithala proposed the creation of a National Council for Public Works to promote engineering excellence, innovation, standardisation, knowledge sharing and capacity building across India’s public works ecosystem.
He said such a platform could bring together Central and State government agencies, academia, industry and professional institutions to improve the quality, sustainability and efficiency of public infrastructure.
The Secretary also urged CPWD to continue leading the adoption of digital technologies, sustainable construction methods and advanced project management systems while expanding its role as a national knowledge institution.
Technology and Skills at the Core
CPWD Director General Satinder Pal Singh highlighted the department’s focus on skill development and technological advancement.
He said the National CPWD Academy, along with collaborations with premier institutions, is strengthening the technical and managerial capabilities of engineers. He also underlined the growing use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital project management tools, advanced construction materials and automation to improve productivity, quality and sustainability.
A documentary showcasing CPWD’s landmark infrastructure projects, digital initiatives and award-winning works was screened during the event.
Awards and Capacity Building
The Annual Day celebrations also featured the presentation of Director General’s Medals, Commendation Certificates, Certificates of Merit, and awards for the department’s best completed projects. Certificates were also distributed to participants who completed specialised capacity-building programmes conducted in collaboration with leading academic and professional institutions.
Ahead of the main event, CPWD organised a technical session on emerging construction technologies and sustainability, where Prof. KVL Subramaniam of IIT Hyderabad delivered the keynote address. A senior officers’ conference also reviewed ongoing reforms, project delivery mechanisms, capacity building and the department’s future roadmap.
With the launch of the SANKALP framework and expanded digital initiatives, CPWD has signalled a renewed focus on building transparent, technology-enabled and sustainable public infrastructure that supports India’s long-term development goals.
