Course Branch Subject name with Semester Unit
name code
B Tech CIVIL VCE-305 Quantity 5th I
ENGINEERING Estimation and
Construction
Management
PWD schedule of rate.
1. Introduction
PWD (Public Works Department) is a government body responsible for
construction and maintenance of public infrastructure like roads, bridges, buildings,
canals, etc.
For estimating, tendering, and contract purposes, Schedule of Rates (SOR) is used.
Schedule of Rates (SOR) is a compilation of standard rates for various items of
works and services commonly executed in public works projects.
It serves as a basis for preparing estimates, tenders, and cost control.
2. Objectives of Schedule of Rates
1. Standardization of rates – to maintain uniformity across all divisions and projects.
2. Reference for estimation – acts as a guideline to prepare detailed project estimates.
3. Transparency in contracts – ensures fair competition in tendering.
4. Cost control & budgeting – helps in financial planning and allocation of funds.
5. Time saving – avoids repeated rate analysis for common items.
3. Components of PWD Schedule of Rates
The SOR generally consists of the following:
1. Material Costs
o Standard market rates of cement, steel, bricks, sand, aggregates, timber, pipes,
etc.
o Inclusive of transportation, wastage, loading & unloading.
2. Labour Charges
o Wages of skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers.
o Based on local labour laws and minimum wage notifications.
3. Machinery & Tools (T&P) Charges
o Hire charges of machinery (concrete mixer, vibrators, JCB, paver, etc.)
o Depreciation, fuel, maintenance included.
4. Overheads & Contractor’s Profit
o Usually 10–15% added for overheads, profit, and unforeseen expenses.
5. Work Items & Specifications
o Each work item is described with unit of measurement, e.g.:
Earthwork excavation → per cubic meter
Brick masonry → per cubic meter
Cement plaster → per square meter
RCC work → per cubic meter
4. Preparation of PWD Schedule of Rates
1. Collection of data – market surveys for materials, labour rates, transport charges.
2. Rate analysis – calculating rates by combining material, labour, and equipment costs.
3. Approval by competent authority – Chief Engineer/State Government.
4. Publication & circulation – issued annually or biennially by the PWD.
5. Regular updating – adjusted with inflation, market trends, and government policies.
5. Uses of PWD Schedule of Rates
1. Preparation of Estimates – Preliminary, detailed, and revised estimates.
2. Tendering & Contracting – Standard basis for inviting bids and comparing tenders.
3. Work Execution – Helps engineers in field work measurement and bill preparation.
4. Financial Control – Keeps expenditure within sanctioned limits.
5. Dispute Resolution – Acts as an official reference in case of claims.
6. Advantages
Maintains uniformity across state/national projects.
Saves time in estimating and tendering.
Reduces manipulation of rates by contractors.
Provides legal backing as it is a government-approved document.
7. Limitations
May not always reflect real-time market fluctuations.
Needs frequent updates to remain relevant.
Different states may have different SORs, leading to variation.
Unusual or innovative items of work may not be covered.
8. Example
Item: Cement Concrete 1:2:4 in foundation
o Cement = 8 bags @ ₹400/bag = ₹3200
o Sand = 0.44 m³ @ ₹1500/m³ = ₹660
o Aggregate = 0.88 m³ @ ₹1600/m³ = ₹1408
o Labour (Mason, Helper, Mixer) = ₹2500
o T&P & water charges = ₹400
o Contractor’s profit (10%) = ₹810
o Rate = ₹8,978 per m³ (final value as per SOR may vary).