Malappuram: Three engineers of the Public Works Department (PWD) in Malappuram have been suspended after serious lapses were found in the implementation of the Running Contract Project, a key road maintenance scheme, PWD Minister P A Muhammad Riyas said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

The project, launched by the state government, assigns contractors for fixed periods to make roads traffic-worthy and carry out timely repairs. Currently, about 21,000 kilometres of roads are maintained under this scheme.

During this year’s inspection, negligence was reported in Malappuram district, particularly in the Perinthalmanna sub-division of the Manjeri division. Officials had failed to initiate the tendering process despite funds being sanctioned. They also delayed obtaining technical sanction, and in some cases, misled the public by claiming that administrative approval had not been received.

Based on a report submitted by the Chief Engineer, the government ordered the suspension of the Executive Engineer of the Manjeri Division, the Assistant Executive Engineer of the Perinthalmanna sub-division, and the Assistant Engineer of the Perinthalmanna section. The Public Works Vigilance Department has been directed to conduct a detailed inquiry into the lapses.

The government has reiterated that measures to ensure road quality will continue. Blue information boards have been installed on roads under the Running Contract Project with contact numbers for lodging complaints. Citizens have been urged to play an active role by reporting issues and escalating matters if no action is taken.