Harbhajan Singh ETO : Research Lab Generates ₹1.5 Crore in Testing Revenue
Punjab Public Works and Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO stated on Monday that the Punjab Public Works Department’s Research Laboratory has been instrumental in ensuring world-class construction quality. In addition to maintaining the highest construction standards in the state, the lab generated approximately 1.5 crore in testing fees for materials used in construction projects during the 2024-25 financial year.
In a press release, Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO emphasized that this research lab is the only facility under the Punjab Public Works (B&R) Department that serves the testing requirements of multiple government bodies, including Local Bodies, Water Resources Department (WRD), Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA), Panchayati Raj, Punjab Mandi Board, and State Vigilance, alongside PWD (B&R).
The lab’s accreditation by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) in 2022 has strengthened its credibility, making it the only government lab in Punjab with this certification, valid until December 2028. The Minister highlighted that all testing equipment is meticulously calibrated to meet relevant standards, ensuring precision in 59 different tests. The lab is also outfitted with advanced Non-Destructive Testing equipment, including Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD), Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV), Nuclear Test Gauge, and traffic sign checking tools.
Detailing the lab’s capabilities, the Minister stated that it is well-equipped for soil testing for foundations and evaluating various construction materials, such as bricks, gravel, sand, cement, concrete, bitumen, and iron bars. Additionally, the lab specializes in designing Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM) and Asphalt Concrete (AC) mixes for bitumen and concrete projects.
Reaffirming the Punjab government’s dedication to upholding top-tier construction standards, Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO emphasized that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s administration has issued clear instructions for enhanced quality checks to further improve development work. Additionally, efforts are being made to increase public awareness regarding these quality assurance measures.