Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has expressed concern over the numerous complaints about poor highway maintenance, particularly during the monsoon season. As a result, he has ordered a thorough investigation into the Sohna-Vadodara section of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway. The Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) has been directed to initiate the investigation promptly.
In addition, Gadkari has instructed his ministry to look into the maintenance issues on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE), a vital bypass for Delhi. This directive follows his recent experience driving on the 135-km stretch during a plantation drive.
The minister stressed the importance of accountability, urging strict action against those responsible for the lapses. Sources reveal that Gadkari is personally overseeing these investigations, especially after recent incidents of negligence.
Just prior to the plantation drive, a section of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway collapsed in Rajasthan, and a significant pothole was found on the newly constructed Amritsar-Jamnagar Economic Corridor. In response, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) imposed a Rs 5 million penalty on the contractor for failing to address the issues promptly. Additionally, two engineers from the Authority Engineer (AE) were dismissed due to inadequate supervision. Similar action has been taken against contractors, engineers, and officials involved in the Sohna-Mumbai Expressway.
During the event, Gadkari issued a stern warning, stating that negligence and poor maintenance on highways would not be tolerated, and that both local and international contractors found responsible would be blacklisted.