Question : Use of Good Quality Material

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) Whether the Government is making huge investment in developing transport infrastructure including roads, bridges, flyovers, etc. in the country;

(b) if so, whether there have been media reports recently regarding inferior quality of material being produced by many producers, particularly of steel sector despite having BIS Licenses;

(c) whether the Government would ensure usage of good quality material like steel and cement in infrastructure projects in view of the fact that a large part of the Indian subcontinent comes under seismic zones 4 and 5 (highly vulnerable to earthquakes);

(d) if so, whether the Government would ensure the Government bodies/undertakings like CPWD, MES, NHAI, etc. use good quality material which are adequately tested for quality before using them in these structures built by them; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING & URBAN AFFAIRS

(SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI)

(a) Yes, Madam.

(b) There are media reports on inferior quality of steel being produced by certain producers.

(c) to (e) Various policies and guidelines have been promulgated to ensure materials conforming to ISI Codes are only used in projects. Steel and cement are procured only from main and reputed manufacturers or their authorised dealers having valid license as per extant rules. Quality control is also ensured by conducting various quality tests during the execution stage on each material before its use in works. Technical Audit through third party independent agencies and accredited laboratories are carried out to ensure the quality of materials conform to the relevant Indian Roads Congress standards and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways specifications.

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