(a) whether the Government has received complaints from the State Governments regarding quality of construction work of National Highways during the last three years and the current year;
(b) if so, the State/UT-wise details thereof and the action taken in this regard;
(c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government for inspection of quality of construction of roads and highways; and
(d) the steps being taken by the Government to ensure quality of construction of National Highways?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)
(a) to (b) There is one project named as Candaili to Borigumma from km 22/255 to km 33/255 under IRQP (Improving Riding Quality Program) having cost Rs. 7.17 Crore in the state of Odisha where complaint regarding use of sub-standard material was received. In this regard, recovery calculated on the basis of difference in bitumen has been made from contractor vide letter dated 04.12.2018.
(c) to (d) Works of National Highway are executed duly following the specifications and standards laid down by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRT&H) and Indian Road Congress (IRC). To ensure that the works are executed as per prescribed specifications and standards, Consultants are appointed by Ministry and its agencies for day to day supervision of the works at site. It is the responsibility of such Consultants to ensure compliance of the provisions of the Concession / Contract Agreement in so far as quality of the work is concerned. Officials of Ministry/National Highways Authority of India/National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limitedalso carries out quality checks of the works executed on randombasis and deficiencies, if any, observed during such examination / inspection are brought to the notice of the Concessionaire / Contractor for corrective measures.The Authority Engineer/ Independent Engineer along with the road safety experts are also engaged for Audit & Quality check of roads to ensure road safety & its constructionquality. In case of any defaults, actions against the defaulting agencies are taken as per the provisions of agreement.
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