In Indian state public works departments (PWD), who is considered the technical head of the department at the state level?

Introduction / Context:
Public Works Departments (PWD) in Indian states are large technical organizations responsible for planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings. Understanding the administrative versus technical hierarchy helps aspirants correctly identify roles and responsibilities in government engineering services.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to the head of the PWD within a state.
• “Head” here is interpreted as the top technical authority within the engineering cadre, not the political or administrative head.
• Common PWD hierarchy includes: Chief Engineer (or Engineer-in-Chief), Superintending Engineer, Executive Engineer, etc.

Concept / Approach:
Indian PWDs have dual leadership: a political head (Minister) and an administrative head (Secretary/Principal Secretary). The senior-most engineering post is the Chief Engineer (often designated Engineer-in-Chief in some states). Exam questions typically treat the Chief Engineer as the “head” in the technical sense.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
State PWD organization charts consistently place the Chief Engineer/Engineer-in-Chief at the apex of the engineering hierarchy, overseeing Superintending and Executive Engineers.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Transport Minister is a political executive, not the engineering head. Superintending Engineer and Executive Engineer are subordinate technical posts.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing political/administrative heads with the technical head; overlooking that design and execution authority rests with the Chief Engineer’s office.

Final Answer:
Chief Engineer