PDA plans project management unit for streamlined urban projects

Prayagraj: The Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) is all set to establish a project management unit (PMU) that would prepare structured and technically sound plans for the authority's ongoing and upcoming residential schemes, ensuring that essential infrastructure such as sewer lines, roads, and drinking water pipelines are incorporated efficiently at the planning stage itself.To come up on the lines of similar models adopted in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, Agra and Kanpur, the PMU would comprise experts with strong civil engineering and urban planning backgrounds. The authority would soon float a tender to appoint the PMU for an initial period of one year, with the process likely to begin in the next financial year. Officials believe that many development works currently face delays or require redesign due to the absence of integrated planning, a gap the PMU is expected to bridge. According to PDA officials, the expert team would assess which areas are suitable for new housing schemes and coordinate with landowners and cultivators regarding land-related issues linked to residential development. The unit would further ensure quality control in construction and help address objections and suggestions raised by various departments and agencies during project execution. PDA officials further said that residential schemes are presently being developed at four locations in the city, and the PMU's involvement will help standardise planning and execution across these sites. By adopting a professional project management approach, the authority aims to accelerate development work, minimise technical lapses and deliver better-planned housing infrastructure to residents while keeping pace with the city's growing urban needs.