The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, a ₹1 lakh crore infrastructure project, has been marred by serious construction defects. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently announced that four contractors will be penalized for the lapses after an investigation by experts from IIT-Kharagpur and IIT-Gandhinagar. During the Lok Sabha session, Gadkari clarified the findings and what steps will be taken to rectify the issues.
Deficiencies in the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Construction
India’s longest highway, Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, is said to be an engineering feat as it has been finished at a rapid pace while reducing travel time between India’s two largest cities- Delhi and Mumbai. Reportedly, however, severe construction flaws were found following the initial findings of a government-commissioned report. Gadkari said that since he had observed these faults, experts from two institutions, IIT-Kharagpur and IIT-Gandhinagar, had been called to assess the situation.
According to the experts, preliminary reports suggest that the construction was poor in terms of the quality of the stone mastic asphalt (SMA) layer. This is because the SMA layer is what determines the durability and smoothness of the highway.
Construction materials are not at fault, says Gadkari
Despite the identified faults, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari was prompt in refuting that the flaws had nothing to do with the quality of construction materials. While speaking on the matter, Gadkari stressed, “There has been no wrongdoing in the construction material used for the project.” He assured the public that the materials met all the standards required. The major issue is with the construction quality and execution and not the raw materials.
In addition, the expressway contract agreements have a defect liability period of 10 years. This implies that any construction quality-related defects or issues will be solely the contractors’ responsibility for the next 10 years. Gadkari clarified that the contractors would indeed be liable for any deficiencies that would arise during this period.
Accountability and Strict Action Against Contractors
To rectify the flaws, Gadkari stated that severe action would be taken against the four contractors involved. The notices have already been issued, and the contractors will be blacklisted. Besides the contractors, some officials who monitored the project will also face severe action. The officials are being investigated, and further action will be taken according to their involvement in the construction and monitoring process.
Gadkari announced that part of the strategy to rectify the situation includes fixing accountability for officials, suspending the ones at fault, and taking appropriate measures against redundant staff. This will ensure the expressway is maintained well and free from other problems.
Rectification work and cost-bearing by contractors
To the identified weaknesses, the involved contractors are to execute rectification work at their own expense. According to Gadkari, damaged SMA layers in some stretches of the expressway are to be relaid by the contractors. This repair work is going to cost them.
The rectification process is already in progress, and the contractors are working to restore the highway to a traffic-worthy condition. The maintenance and rectification work is being carried out in accordance with the 10-year defect liability period mentioned in the contract, ensuring that the highway is functional and safe for commuters.
Impact of the Expressway
The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is a landmark project that has significantly impacted the country’s infrastructure. This has reduced the travel distance between Delhi and Mumbai by 200 km and decreased travel time from 24 hours to just 12 hours. This is a giant leap for India in modernizing its transportation network.
The expressway, constructed at a cost of ₹1 lakh crore, is going to bring long-term economic advantages in terms of connectivity between two of India’s biggest cities and enhancing trade between them. Even though problems persist, the expressway is an integral part of the national infrastructure.
Conclusion
Though alarming, the government is fast working out the deficiencies in the construction of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. Four contractors stand blacklisted, and correct work is being done without cost by them, ensuring the situation is being curbed. The Union minister, Nitin Gadkari, and his stand over accountability, along with steps undertaken to correct the problems at hand, indicate the very intent of the government in relation to keeping the quality high of the infrastructure in the country.
As the rectification work goes on, commuters can look forward to a safe and efficient expressway that continues to play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity between Delhi and Mumbai. The government’s focus on strict action against contractors and officials highlights the importance of maintaining high standards in national infrastructure projects.
Refer :
Economic Times, Link to article
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