PM Modi Directs Road Transport Ministry to Overhaul Highway Quality by May
In a decisive move to address widespread concerns over deteriorating highway standards, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a strict May deadline to the road transport ministry. This directive comes in response to a surge in complaints about poor construction quality, particularly evident during and after the monsoon seasons in recent months.
Crackdown on Contractors and Quality Assurance
During a recent review of highway sector progress, PM Modi emphasized the urgent need for robust Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure accountability and consistency in construction. He specifically called for a crackdown on poorly performing and litigating contractors, aiming to send a strong message to errant builders. This action targets issues stemming from subpar construction by contractors, inadequate supervision by consultants, and lapses by government engineers, all contributing to the decline in project quality.
Mechanisms to Bar Blacklisted Contractors
As part of a series of instructions, the Prime Minister has mandated the development of a mechanism to prevent blacklisted contractors from participating in fresh bids, even indirectly. Additionally, contractors with a history of frequently invoking arbitrations will receive lower ratings, further tightening oversight. These measures are designed to enhance transparency and deter malpractice in the highway construction process.
Addressing Land Acquisition and Collusion Concerns
Taking note of potential collusion between contractors and farmers, the ministry has been tasked with conducting a detailed study of this pattern and delays in land acquisitions. Necessary corrective measures will be implemented based on the findings to streamline processes and reduce bottlenecks.
Focus on High-Speed Corridors and Subcontractor Approval
PM Modi has also instructed the ministry to investigate constraints preventing high-speed corridors from operating at the desired speed of 70 kmph. In a bid to improve oversight, norms are being revised to require prior approval from authorities before involving any subcontractors in new projects, ensuring better quality control.
Halting Conversion of State Highways to National Highways
In a significant policy shift, the ministry has been directed to stop the practice of converting state highways into national highways. This move is particularly noteworthy given the current government's expansion of the national highway network from approximately 91,300 km to 1.46 lakh km, marking a 60% increase. The focus now shifts to enhancing the quality of existing infrastructure rather than merely expanding the network.
This comprehensive overhaul underscores the government's commitment to improving India's highway infrastructure, prioritizing quality and accountability to meet public expectations and ensure safer, more reliable roads.
