Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari conducted separate review meetings in New Delhi to assess the quality, maintenance, and progress of National Highway projects across three regions. The review covered 4,931 km of projects in Telangana, 2,035 km in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, and 804 km in the Union Territory of Ladakh, totaling 7,770 km of highway infrastructure under scrutiny. Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Shri Harsh Malhotra was also present during these reviews.
The review meetings were initiated based on feedback received through multiple channels including media reports, social media platforms, and inputs from officials of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and project contractors. During the assessment, Shri Gadkari evaluated the status of ongoing projects, maintenance activities, and specific measures being adopted to ensure the delivery of safe, efficient, and durable highway infrastructure.
The Minister emphasized the need to accelerate project implementation while maintaining the highest standards of quality and accountability. He directed officials and executing agencies to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and ensure timely completion of works. Specific instructions were given to adopt advanced construction technologies and best practices to improve asset durability, riding comfort, and long-term performance of highway corridors. The Minister underscored the importance of well-maintained road infrastructure in enhancing regional connectivity, facilitating economic growth, promoting tourism, and improving commuter convenience.
A significant focus was placed on comprehensive monsoon preparedness across all project stretches. Shri Gadkari instructed officials to undertake preventive and mitigation measures including effective drainage management, slope stabilization and protection work, and deployment of rapid-response systems to address weather-related disruptions. These measures were noted as essential for ensuring uninterrupted connectivity, road safety, and resilience of the National Highway network. The Minister reaffirmed the Government's commitment to developing world-class highway infrastructure across the country through timely execution, quality assurance, and adoption of modern engineering solutions.