The history of public works administration in India illustrates a significant transformation from a colonial instrument of strategic control and economic extraction to a vital mechanism for national development and public welfare. This research article offers a comprehensive historical analysis of the Public Works Department (PWD), tracing its evolution from the pre-colonial period through British institutionalization in 1854 to its present-day decentralized structure. Special focus is given to the Tamil Nadu Public Works Department—one of the oldest in India—and its pivotal role in infrastructure development, particularly in the Kanniyakumari District. The study explores the PWD’s organizational growth, functional diversification, and sectoral impact across irrigation, housing, water supply, electrification, education, transport, and public health. Emphasis is placed on the Travancore legacy and the post-independence administrative integration of Kanniyakumari into Tamil Nadu’s governance framework. The article highlights the enduring relevance of the PWD in advancing sustainable development goals and reflects on institutional reforms, regional contributions, and future challenges in infrastructure governance.