Under PWD, the Public Works and Public Works (Roads) Directorates are presently charged with the planning, survey, design, construction and maintenance of Roads, Bridges and Buildings throughout the state as well as having various responsibilities for emergency and relief activities.
was responsible for construction and maintenance of building and roads and irrigation projects like canals, dams and reservoirs etc.
The management of Public Works Department during this period was not at all systematic and was under the control of Military Board of Imperial Government.
Drawing attention of the Government to the unsatisfactory management and state of affairs in public works, the Court of Directors of the East India Company, in early 1850, instituted a Commission each of the presidencies for investigation.
The members of the Commission were unanimous on the inability of the Military Board in the management of the public works department.
430 of 1854 on 21st April, 1854 by which the responsibility for management and control of the Public Works Department was entrusted upon the Bengal Presidency with effect from 1st May, 1854: In 1866, P.W.D.
became responsible for public works relating to roads, buildings, irrigations and railways from this time.
Beside, with the integration and development of local government system, Special types of public works were entrusted upon District Boards and Municipalities.