NEW DELHI: In a significant move, the government has announced that highway engineers will face accountability for the persistent issue of potholes on the National Highway network. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has set a strict deadline to eliminate potholes on National Highways by the end of this year. Under this initiative, project directors will be required to inspect all roads within the 1.46 lakh km National Highway network at least once every 15 days and promptly address any maintenance issues that arise.
To facilitate this effort, the entire National Highway network will come under a perpetual maintenance contract, allowing maintenance work to be carried out as needed without the delay of issuing fresh tenders. It’s worth noting that in 2021, potholes led to 3,625 road accidents, resulting in 1,481 fatalities and 3,064 injuries. Potholes also negatively impact vehicle speeds on highways.
Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari unveiled this new strategy and emphasized its effectiveness in tackling issues caused by rains, which often damage highways. The ministry also plans to involve engineering students to assist in the detection of potholes, maintenance gaps, and drainage system defects.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and quality of India’s National Highway network.
