Gadkari flags concerns over delay in road projects' completion by BRO

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday expressed concern over the delay in the completion of road construction by Border Roads Organisation, and stressed the need to modernise the system for faster execution of highway projects in border areas. Addressing the 'Annual Infrastructure Conference cum Achiever's Award 2026', the Road Transport and Highways minister also said that India needs to further fast-track the decision-making process. ''Earlier, I used to feel hesitant when BRO (Border Roads Organisation) officials used to come to meet in uniform. I requested them to please come in civil dress. What is the image of the defence forces, well-disciplined, and making timely decisions. ''...(but) road projects in border areas are delayed for years, projects are facing cost overruns,'' he said. BRO functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence. Established in 1960, BRO develops and maintains road networks and strategic infrastructure in India's border areas and neighbouring countries. The minister also said that the highways ministry is working out a mechanism under which the cost of the house structure built on the land parcel being acquired. He flagged delays in decision-making, poor planning and lack of accountability as the main causes behind project delays and cost overruns. ''Even small issues like land acquisition and delays in permissions lead to major losses,'' the minister said. He said that many times, contractors deliver poor-quality work, yet no action is taken against them as the defect liability period remains only on paper. ''Such contractors must be strictly penalised and if necessary, blacklisted,'' Gadkari said, adding that there is a need to focus on the quality of the work, along with the quantity. The minister said that today, due to social media, even the smallest flaws come to light quickly, making it even more important to maintain quality. ''The system must ensure transparency, time-bound decision-making and accountability. We must use technology to reduce construction costs, but not at the expense of quality,'' he said. Gadkari also said that he is working to revamp the model concession agreement for build-operate-transfer(BOT) projects after sweeping changes made in March 2024 failed to draw much traction. Bad quality of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) leads to a host of problems, including cost escalation in road projects, he pointed out. ''Sometimes tenders are issued without proper DPR and without adequate soil testing, which later results in the failure of bridges and roads. ''There should be no compromise on quality. Whatever work is undertaken must be of the highest standard to avoid future problems,'' he added.

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