DELHI SCHEDULE OF Brief Overview

RATES
By- Tejas Mairal
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Index

S.no. Topic Description Page no.

1 Introduction 2

2 Key Attributes (Published 2016) 2

3 Applications & Challenges face in 3

various types of projects

4 Inference 4

5 References 5
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Delhi Schedule of Rates – An overview

Introduction
The DSR as the name is self-explanatory is a comprehensive
book which includes detailed information of rates/costs of
various components involved in construction of
building/structure or any infrastructure in general. The purpose
is to serve as a guideline to various institutions (govt. & Private)
mainly CPWD for estimating the cost of any project/ work
package or a small activity which in turn helps determine the
cost feasibility of the project as a whole.
 No of volumes: 2 (Vol 1 & Vol 2)
 Published by: Director General, CPWD Nirman Bhawan
 No of sub heads : 26
 Total pages : 468
Few Other supporting CPWD Publications/supporting documents:
 Analysis of rates
 Works Manual
 Specifications
 Design Manuals
 Quality assurance manual

Key attributes (published - 2016)

 The publication is undertaken by DG of CPWD
with numerous contributions by engineers/
construction practitioners’ across India
 This is to ensure that all the latest methods,
techniques and new materials are thoroughly
analysed and suitably included to keep the
guideline in line with latest trends and market
development.
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 In addition to that, various modifications due to statutory variations / or any

changes in law are also incorporated appropriately so as to fulfil the intended
purpose.
 Latest version to be published in 2018 is being developed keeping in line the
changes in input costs due to the introduction of revolutionary taxation system
for indirect taxes i.e. GST.

Applications & Challenges faced

Figure 1 Cement consumption sector wise

 The pie chart shows a data of cement consumption for various sectors in
construction, which shows that majority of construction takes place which
shows that majority of cement is in small scale construction.
 The DSR or SOR in general is in fact a boon to small agencies / contractors /
architects since it provides comprehensive knowledge of costs/prices involved
as it is imperative that small agencies do not have the technical capabilities to
evaluate & estimate each & every small activity independently.
 However in case of specialized EPC projects like Dams /
Bridges / power plants, even though the activities & works
are similar in nature, the uniqueness of individual project
leads to deviation the actual cost as compared to the
DSR/SOR rates. This basically leads to a case wherein
either of the parties (client / contractor) are on the losing
side.
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 The volatility of working environment &

uniqueness of risks involved in each mega
projects makes the DSR / SOR rates quite
impractical and need a thorough review in
order to bring into practical implementation.
 Certain geographical areas where the DSR
rates are practically not feasible enough so that
a suitable resource can be deployed for completing the tasks, which defeats
the original purpose of referring the DSR and this situation has become quiet
prominent for works undertaken by CPWD in tier 2 or below cities.

Inference
 As discussed above, it is imperative from the facts that even though DSR is
suitable for majority of construction which goes on for household or small scale
wherein routine activities are dominant factor.
 Whereas for specialized projects, following the DSR rates may not necessarily
justify the actual costs hence, one should be careful while evaluation the cost
estimates so as to incorporate the changes & derive a practically feasible rate
in the initial stage itself so as to avoid future complications while executing the
actual task/activity.
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References

 Details of DSR from http://cpwd.gov.in/Documents/cpwd_publication.aspx

 CPWD logo from DSR Vol 1

 Cement consumption pie chart from Google images

 List of supporting documents from CPWD publications

 Graphics – Google Images