Gadkari Seeks Arrest of Engineers Behind Faulty Road DPRs
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has called for stringent legal measures against engineers and consultants responsible for drafting defective Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and substandard road designs, which have been linked to the increasing number of road accidents and fatalities in India. Addressing the Global Road Infratech Summit & Expo (GRIS), Gadkari emphasized the critical need to enhance road safety measures and hold professionals accountable for their roles in infrastructure development.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Gadkari noted that India records approximately 480,000 road accidents annually, resulting in around 180,000 deaths and 400,000 serious injuries. He pointed out that two-wheeler riders and pedestrians are the most affected groups. These incidents contribute to an economic loss of about 3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The government has set an ambitious target to reduce road accident rates by 50% by 2030.
Faulty DPRs and Road Designs: A Major Concern
Gadkari expressed serious concerns over the quality of DPRs and road designs prepared by civil engineers and consultants. He stated that many road accidents occur due to minor civil engineering mistakes and faulty DPRs, with no one being held accountable for these errors. He emphasized that the main issues lie in road engineering, defective planning, and substandard DPRs.
Call for Accountability and Legal Action
To address these challenges, Gadkari advocated for holding engineers and consultants accountable for their work. He suggested that faulty road construction should be made a non-bailable offense and that road contractors, concessionaires, and engineers responsible for accidents due to poor construction should face legal consequences, including imprisonment.
Improving Road Safety Measures
The minister also underscored the importance of adopting new technologies and sustainable, recyclable construction materials to enhance road safety. He highlighted that even small aspects, such as road signage and marking systems, are poorly implemented in India. Gadkari suggested that India could learn from other countries to improve these systems and make them world-class.
In addition to engineering improvements, Gadkari stressed the need for strengthening law enforcement mechanisms and enhancing emergency medical services on national highways. He called upon the road construction industry to develop strategies that incorporate newer technologies and sustainable practices to significantly reduce road accidents and fatalities.
Collaborative Efforts for Safer Roads
Gadkari urged both the industry and government to collaborate on solutions to prevent road accidents. He emphasized the importance of education in building safer infrastructure and promoting safer driving habits among citizens. By addressing the root causes of road accidents—such as faulty engineering and planning—and implementing comprehensive safety measures, India aims to create a safer and more efficient transportation network for all.
