Question : Efficiency of Road Transport

(a) whether the Government is aware that ageing infrastructure, road congestion, growth in heavy vehicle traffic and insufficient maintenance have rendered the road transport system inefficient in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) whether research and development efforts are needed in the theme areas such as development of smart materials, innovative design and maintenance technologies;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to meet the challenges of developing long-lasting and low-maintenance pavements?

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) to (e) Ministry is primarily responsible for construction and maintenance of National Highways (NHs) in the country. National Highways are developed as per Guidelines / Standards issued by Indian Road Congress (IRC) / Ministry, depending upon the traffic requirement, availability of funds and inter-se-priority. National Highways are designed and constructed on the basis of life cycle cost analysis which includes appropriate maintenance and rehabilitation of roads/ structures during the design life. Research and Development is a continuous process and findings of the research are appropriately included in the Ministry/IRC Guidelines/Standards. Ministry also allows use of new/alternative materials, technologies and innovation in the design, construction and maintenance of NHs.

*****