Biju Prabhakar IAS | Secretary (i/c), Public Works Department | June 2017 – September 2017
In the vast landscape of public infrastructure, where change is often slow and incremental, Mr. Prabhakar’s brief tenure as Secretary (i/c) of the Public Works Department (PWD), Government of Kerala, stands out as a moment of visionary momentum. Though spanning just over three months—from June to September 2017—his contributions were bold, future-focused, and rooted in both technological innovation and sustainable development.
Mr. Prabhakar approached this assignment with characteristic clarity: even a short tenure can spark long-term impact. In this spirit, he introduced groundbreaking proposals and reforms that continue to resonate within the department and beyond.
Harnessing Science for Real-World Problems: Geo Cell Technology for Kuttanad Roads
The Kuttanad region in Alappuzha district, often referred to as the ‘rice bowl of Kerala’, is unique in both beauty and complexity. With its low-lying, waterlogged terrain, road infrastructure in the area has long posed a challenge. Traditional construction methods have repeatedly failed under the pressure of water seepage and subsoil instability.
Understanding the need for a smarter approach, Mr. Prabhakar initiated a collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore to explore the application of geo cell technology. This cellular confinement system stabilizes soil and reduces the risk of erosion, making it ideal for regions like Kuttanad. The partnership aimed to deploy this advanced engineering solution to create more durable and sustainable roads in areas constantly battling the elements.
This was more than a technical upgrade—it was a thoughtful, strategic response to a long-standing regional issue, rooted in the integration of scientific research and field realities.
Reimagining PWD Rest Houses: From Government Quarters to Hospitality Assets
Kerala’s PWD maintains around 150 rest houses across the state, many of which had historically been underutilized or poorly maintained. Recognizing their potential as both public service assets and revenue generators, Biju proposed a transformative model.
He spearheaded the preparation of a comprehensive project report aimed at upgrading these rest houses to meet the standards of hospitality offered by platforms like OYO Rooms. The plan included renovating the facilities, modernizing the interiors, and integrating technology through a web-based reservation system, making bookings accessible to the public.
This forward-thinking proposal had a dual benefit: it would bring these valuable properties into active use while generating consistent income for the department. It also reflected a larger vision—leveraging government-owned infrastructure to meet evolving public expectations and optimize departmental resources.
Underwater Ambition: India’s First Sub-Sea Tunnel Road
Among the most striking proposals developed during Biju’s PWD tenure was a visionary infrastructure project designed to redefine coastal mobility in Kerala: India’s first underwater road tunnel.
Inspired by the Channel Tunnel (“Chunnel”) connecting England and France, this ambitious plan proposed a sub-sea tunnel between Fort Kochi and Vypin Island, dramatically reducing the current travel time between these two hubs by nearly two hours. The schematic note envisioned a seamless commute under the sea—merging world-class engineering with the state’s unique geography.
While still awaiting central financial assistance, this project captured the imagination of policymakers and the public alike, offering a glimpse into the kind of bold, futuristic thinking that Biju brought to infrastructure planning.
Connecting Kerala and Tamil Nadu: A Tunnel of Transformation
Another pioneering proposal was the Vizhinjam–Ambasamudram Corridor Project, conceptualized as a multi-modal transport corridor featuring both a national highway and railway line. Stretching approximately 45 kilometers, the proposed corridor would run through difficult terrain, culminating in what could become India’s longest tunnel—25 kilometers in length.
This route, linking Vizhinjam in Kerala with Ambasamudram in Tamil Nadu, had the potential to reduce the travel distance between Thiruvananthapuram and Tirunelveli by over 50 kilometers, translating into a time savings of nearly three hours. The project promised significant economic, logistic, and social benefits by improving regional connectivity and reducing fuel consumption and vehicular strain.
Once again, the vision was clear: to unlock development by cutting through natural and administrative barriers. The proposal has since been submitted to the Government of India for financial consideration and continues to be seen as a strategic corridor with vast potential.
Reforming Procurement: Composite Tenders for Efficiency
In the often complicated world of government construction projects, inefficiencies frequently stem from the fragmented tendering process. Traditionally, PWD projects in Kerala involved separate tenders for civil works, electrical installations, and electronics, leading to delays, miscommunication, and coordination challenges.
To address this, Mr. Prabhakar introduced the concept of composite tenders—a unified system that allows a single contractor or consortium to manage an entire project under one integrated contract. This was a structural shift in the procurement model, designed to streamline execution, reduce overheads, and ensure accountability.
By breaking with outdated bureaucratic practices, he empowered the department to function more like a professionally managed engineering organization than a compartmentalized government agency.
A Short Tenure, A Lasting Legacy
In just over three months, Biju Prabhakar demonstrated how leadership isn’t measured in duration, but in depth and direction. Each initiative he launched during his PWD tenure was deeply rooted in contextual intelligence, technological foresight, and a people-first mindset.
From sustainable roads in Kuttanad and revenue-generating rest houses to futuristic tunnels and procurement reforms, his proposals showed a unique ability to blend practical problem-solving with transformative vision.
Though some of these projects are still awaiting approvals or in early stages of development, their very conception represents a shift in how infrastructure is imagined—not just in Kerala, but in India.
As these ideas continue to shape conversations in policy and planning circles, they stand as a testament to the power of focused, purposeful leadership—even within a limited window of time.
Secretary (i/c) of Public Works Department: June 2017- Sept 2017
>>>During the brief tenure, had tied up with the IISc, Banglore for introducing the geo cell technology for strengthening the roads in the water-logged areas of Kuttanad in Alappuzha District.
>>>Had prepared a project report for income generation for the 150 PWD rest houses through a web based reservation system and upgrading the standards of services to that of “OYO” rooms.
>>>Had prepared schematic note for Indias first under sea water tunnel road similar to the “English Chunnel” between Fort Kochi and Vypin reducing the travel time by 2 hours.
>>>Another project conceived was the 45 km vizhinjam –ambasamudram National Highway and Railway lines with Indias Longest Tunnel of 25 kms, which would reduce the distance between Trivandrum and Tirunelveli (in TN) by over 50 kms and 3 hours. (Both the above proposals have been submitted to GOI for financial assistance)
>>>Introduced composite tender for buildings changing age old system of seperate tenders for civil , electrical and electronics.