Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Tuesday said his government was giving priority to infrastructure development, asserting that the artistry and dedication of engineers are reflected in the state’s beautiful and enduring structures.

CM Dr Yadav made the remarks while addressing the State-Level Engineers’ Day ceremony at the Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium in Bhopal on September 15. He inaugurated the event by lighting a ceremonial lamp, following which Vande Mataram was sung.

The programme also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal, and the Madhya Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) for infrastructure development.

Fly-ash technology to be used for roads

The MoU, described as a first-of-its-kind initiative, will facilitate the construction of roads using fly-ash-based cement. Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh said the collaboration would also help develop technology for constructing concrete roads without conventional cement.

Addressing engineers at the event, CM Dr Yadav recalled the contributions of renowned engineer and statesman Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, saying his life and celebrated structures reflected his vision and engineering excellence.

The Chief Minister said India had a long history of architectural and engineering brilliance. He cited the Kailash Temple at Ellora, Dharmarajeshwar in Mandsaur and other ancient structures as examples of the country’s rich artistic and technical heritage.

“Our creations are thousands of years old, and the dedication to art and craftsmanship of great personalities is hidden in these creations,” CM Dr Yadav said.

He also said that the first Parliament building in India drew inspiration from a site near Morena in Madhya Pradesh, while the Parliament building constructed after Independence was inspired by the Bijasan Temple near Vidisha.

‘Technology is driving innovation’

CM Dr Yadav congratulated the PwD for its work and praised its efforts to draw inspiration from historical figures, including Rani Durgavati, Emperor Vikramaditya and Raja Bhoj.

He said the department was embracing technology and pursuing innovative approaches to infrastructure development. The PwD’s efforts to mobilise funds on its own for infrastructure projects were also noteworthy, he added.

“The PwD is becoming one of the best departments in the country,” CM Dr Yadav said, adding that the state government would continue supporting innovative ideas and initiatives.

Engineering is about solving problems

Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh said development across departments had accelerated under Yadav’s leadership and that teamwork among PwD engineers was playing an important role in transforming Madhya Pradesh.

Quoting Visvesvaraya, Singh said engineering was not merely a technology but the ability to find solutions to problems. He urged engineers to remain curious, draw on experience and strive for perfection.

He said government buildings in Madhya Pradesh would increasingly be constructed using green building technology. Around 85 per cent of engineers across the state have received training over the past nine months, he added.

Singh said the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC) would undertake projects worth around Rs 2 lakh crore over the next year.

Focus on innovation and road safety

PwD Principal Secretary Sukhveer Singh said infrastructure development remained a key priority for the government. He noted that roads played an important role in connecting farmers with markets, young people with schools and women with employment opportunities.

The MPRDC has completed projects worth around Rs 30,000 crore, he said, adding that the state had prepared an infrastructure development roadmap in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India.

He also said expert recommendations were being incorporated into modern road construction, including road safety measures. Over the past nine months, the death rate in accidents attributed to black spots has comparatively declined.

Engineers honoured

Several engineers were honoured for their contribution and performance during the ceremony. Those felicitated included Ishwar Singh Chandeli, Manvendra Singh Sengar, Manish Kumar Sharma, Archit Lahoti, Aman Agrawal, Nitin Agrawal, Nitin Barsaiya, Rajesh Dayama, Shashank Sharma, Harshita Varshney, Deepak Namdev, Sahitya Tiwari, Anil Srivastava, Pushkal Pratap, Mohan Kishore, Mahendra Doliya, Shivendra Singh, Ramsingh Raghuvanshi and Ashish Mandal.

Retired PwD Secretary Satish Chandra Pandey and retired Chief Engineer GS Palnitkar were given special honours.