Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Orders Investigation into Poor Highway Maintenance
Concerned about the substandard maintenance of national highways, especially during the monsoon season, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has taken decisive action. He has directed his ministry to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the Sohna-Vadodara stretch of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway. These two highways have faced significant maintenance issues recently, prompting the need for a thorough examination.
Central Road Research Institute to Carry Out Investigation
To ensure an unbiased investigation, Gadkari has instructed the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) to conduct the inspection promptly. The renowned research institute, well-known for its expertise in highway engineering and research, will assess the condition of these expressways thoroughly. The investigation aims to identify the root causes of the maintenance issues and propose suitable remedial measures.
Issues on Eastern Peripheral Expressway to be Examined
In addition to the Delhi-Mumbai and Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressways, Minister Gadkari has also ordered his ministry to evaluate the maintenance concerns surrounding the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE). As a significant bypass for Delhi, the EPE had been touted as a formidable infrastructure development project. However, recent reports have highlighted its maintenance deficiencies, prompting the need for a thorough examination to determine necessary rectifications.
Minister Gadkari Calls for Accountability and Strict Action
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the state of highway maintenance, Minister Gadkari emphasized the need to hold those responsible accountable. Addressing the issue in an active and prompt manner, he has called for the strictest action against any individual or organization found responsible for negligence or inadequate maintenance practices. In the face of recent incidents, Minister Gadkari aims to ensure that necessary action is taken to prevent similar failures in the future.
Recent Incidents Trigger Investigation
The decision to initiate investigations into these highways was prompted by recent incidents. Just days before a plantation event, a section of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway collapsed in Rajasthan, raising serious concerns about the quality of construction and poor maintenance. Simultaneously, a significant pothole was discovered along the newly built Amritsar-Jamnagar Economic Corridor. Prompt action was taken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which imposed a hefty fine of Rs 5 million on the contractor responsible for failing to address the defects promptly. Furthermore, two engineers from the Authority Engineer (AE) were dismissed due to inadequate supervision and lapses.
Gadkari’s Warning Signifies a Focus on Accountability
During the plantation event, Minister Gadkari delivered a stern warning that negligence and poor maintenance of highways would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He even highlighted the blacklist of both domestic and foreign contractors who failed to meet the necessary maintenance standards. This emphasizes the seriousness of the situation and signals the government’s commitment to ensuring the structural integrity of national highways for the safety and convenience of the public.
