Nitin Gadkari Orders Strict Highway Quality Checks Across Rajasthan & Himachal Pradesh

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari conducted an extensive review of National Highway projects in Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, focusing on construction quality, maintenance standards and monsoon preparedness.

The review meetings were held in New Delhi and attended by Union Ministers of State Ajay Tamta and Harsh Malhotra, along with senior officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and project contractors.

The exercise was initiated following concerns and feedback received through media reports and social media platforms regarding the condition and upkeep of highway infrastructure in the two states.

More Than 12,000 Kilometres of Highways Reviewed

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the minister examined the status of highway stretches covering 10,064 km in Rajasthan and 1,947 km in Himachal Pradesh.

The ministry, in an official statement, stated that, “During the review, Gadkari assessed the quality and maintenance status of National Highways covering 10,064 km in Rajasthan and reviewed the quality and maintenance progress of National Highway projects covering 1,947 km in Himachal Pradesh.”

The large-scale review reflects the Centre’s growing emphasis on monitoring the performance and durability of major road infrastructure projects, particularly ahead of the monsoon season.

Focus on Quality, Timely Completion and Modern Technology

During the discussions, Gadkari underlined the importance of completing projects on schedule while ensuring that construction quality standards are not compromised.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Union Minister emphasised the importance of timely project execution and strict adherence to quality standards in highway construction and maintenance.

Gadkari also pushed for wider use of advanced engineering technologies and modern construction methods to improve the long-term sustainability and durability of India’s road network.

The minister highlighted that robust highway infrastructure is essential for improving regional connectivity, boosting economic activity and ensuring smoother transport movement across key corridors.

Monsoon Preparedness Becomes Key Concern

A major focus of the review meetings was preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season, particularly in vulnerable stretches prone to waterlogging, landslides and structural damage.

During the review, Gadkari directed officials and contractors to strengthen drainage systems, undertake slope protection measures and intensify preventive maintenance efforts to minimise disruptions during heavy rainfall.

The ministry said the minister also instructed authorities to establish rapid response systems aimed at improving road safety and maintaining the long-term durability of highway infrastructure.

Push for Better Maintenance and Accountability

The review meetings also served as a platform to assess ongoing maintenance and infrastructure improvement works being carried out by contractors and implementing agencies.

Senior officials from NHAI and MoRTH, along with contractors associated with various highway projects, participated in the discussions and reviewed ongoing maintenance and infrastructure improvement measures.

The Centre’s latest review signals a sharper focus on accountability, maintenance quality and climate resilience as India continues expanding its National Highway network at a rapid pace.

(With inputs from ANI)