UP Govt To Enhance Urban Road Infrastructure With URIDA-PMU

The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is intensifying efforts to enhance urban road infrastructure by initiating the formation of a Project Management Unit (PMU) within the Urban Road Infrastructures Development Agency (URIDA). The PMU will play a pivotal role in overseeing the repair, maintenance, and construction of urban roads across the state.

According to the official information, URIDA has opened the application process for the selection of a knowledge partner through the Request for Proposal (RFP) format. The selected agency will function as a Public Sector Unit (PSU) and actively contribute to the planning, design, implementation, and management of urban road projects.

The PSU, serving as a knowledge partner, will be instrumental in determining guidelines, formulating policies, and implementing key strategies in line with the CM Grid Scheme. It will thoroughly analyse existing guidelines, standards, and legal notifications, refining them to ensure comprehensive and effective road development and maintenance.

Key responsibilities of the selected agency include establishing guidelines to address gaps in planning, design, construction, implementation, and maintenance of urban roads and intersections in Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, it will focus on promoting alternative construction technologies, creating a Green Schedule of Rates (Green SOR), devising a scoring mechanism for road selection, conducting compliance verification for approval, and preparing conceptual designs for various road projects.

The agency acting as the PMU for URIDA will simplify the contractor selection process by developing a model document for project execution. It will also devise Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for planning, execution, construction, management, and maintenance of urban roads.

Furthermore, the PMU will contribute to human resource development by formulating policies, guidelines, and standards. It will prepare the organisational structure, procurement guidelines, and related documents, while actively participating in the creation of other necessary policies.

One of the critical roles of the PMU is to develop a curriculum for engineers, policymakers, and contractors involved in the design, implementation, and maintenance of urban roads. The selected agency will provide training to officials of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and other stakeholders associated with URIDA projects, emphasising cost-effective and efficient road development.

The establishment of the PMU within URIDA marks a significant step towards realising Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's vision of robust and sustainable urban road infrastructure across Uttar Pradesh. The PMU's multifaceted responsibilities underscore its pivotal role in steering the state towards comprehensive urban development.