(a) whether the quality norms have been fixed for constructed and under construction
roads in various States of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the rural link roads not certified for quality are placed under `U` category;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) the number of roads in various States which have been placed under `U` category;
and
(f) the name of the authority accountable for the maintenance of these roads?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) programme guidelines stipulate
that the rural roads constructed under the programme are in accordance with the technical
specifications and geometric design standards given in the Rural Roads Manual
(IRC:SP20:2002) and also, where required, the Hill Road Manual (IRC:SP:48-1998).
(c)to(e): PMGSY guidelines stipulate that ensuring the quality of the road works is the
responsibility of the State Governments. Any rural roads, including link roads,
constructed under the programme that do not meet the quality requirements as laid down
in the guidelines are placed under `Unsatisfactory` category indicated as `U`. The roads
constructed under PMGSY are inspected by State Quality Monitors (SQMs) engaged by
State Government. In addition, National Quality Monitors (NQMs) engaged by National
Rural Roads Development Agency (NRRDA) are also deployed to inspect the quality of
the road works under the programme on random basis. A statement containing details of
rural roads including rural link roads placed under `U` category, based on random
inspections conducted by the NQMs during the year 2011-12 and 2012-13 (up to August,
2012), is given at Annexure.
(f): PMGSY Guidelines stipulate that the responsibility of ensuring the quality of the
roads constructed under the programme is the responsibility of the State Governments.