New list of government rates for cement, bricks and labour released

ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has released the new list of Market Rates System (MRS) for government construction projects for the second half of 2026.

According to a notification issued by the Punjab Finance Department, this new rate list will be effective from July 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026. Based on this list, the cost, estimates and tenders of ongoing and new government development projects across the province will be prepared.

According to the Finance Department, the new MRS list has updated the government rates of almost all important items and works related to the construction sector as per the current market prices. It includes the latest rates for cement, cement, bricks, sand, gravel, concrete, plaster, tiles, flooring, roofing, roads, sewage, drainage, pipelines, electrical work, fittings and other construction activities.

According to official data, the basic rate of Grade 40 cement has been fixed at around Rs 11,727 per maund, while the basic rate of Grade 60 cement has been fixed at around Rs 11,992 per maund. If the full cost of cutting, banding, laying and binding of cement is included, the total cost of Grade 40 cement is around Rs 12,045 per maund, while the full cost of Grade 60 cement has been fixed at around Rs 12,317 per maund.

The Finance Department has also included composite rates in the new list. These rates have been fixed by including cement, cement, brick, sand, gravel, labour and other necessary expenses together to determine the standard cost of various construction works. The aim of this method is to make cost estimation in government projects more accurate, transparent and in line with the current market.

According to officials, the new MRS manual consists of 222 pages, in which 27 different chapters of the construction sector have been included. Under these chapters, estimates will be prepared for buildings, highways, bridges, drainage, sewage projects, government offices, hospitals, educational institutions and other development projects.

The Punjab Finance Department has directed all government institutions, development authorities and contractors to prepare all estimates, tenders and payments prepared during July 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026, as per the new Market Rates System (MRS) list so that all projects can be completed under government rules and regulations.