The Assam Public Works Department (APWD) has a glorious history in the development of the state since pre independence. The department is mainly entrusted with construction and maintenance of Roads, Bridges and Government Buildings etc.

The APWD was established in the year 1880 under British Rule. At the beginning it had the responsibility for all public infrastructure development, construction and maintenance work, but, in the year 1956 the Embankment and Drainage wing came out of the parent Department and established as an independent Department. The department has undergone considerable expansion since attainment of independence and for smooth functioning of the organization, to share the increasing work load and for providing more stress to development works, the APWD had been divided into two wings viz. Roads and Building wings in August 1977 and since then both the wings are functioning with their prescribed identity.

The principal function of the Public Works Department is to develop the infra-structure for transport & communications of the state. APWD discharges its function in construction and repair of roads, bridges, culverts in the state including construction and repair of public buildings of the state and till date it has reached a considerable height of fame and competence.

In 2010, this Public Works Department was bifurcated in two Departments, separating the Building & National Highway part under one Commissioner & Special Secretary and the Roads wing under another Commissioner & Special Secretary.

Then the Public Works (Building & NH) Department has started to function as a separate department from the 5th May, 2010 onwards, headed by the Commissioner & Special Secretary, with two Directorate Head of Departments.