New Delhi: In a move aimed at reducing the bottlenecks in road construction and putting an end to duplicity of work, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari told Parliament that the all local MPs would be consulted during the preparation of detailed project report (DPR) as it would help in accessing 'real' and accurate challenges associated with any particular road project.
In response to question of Rajiv Pratap Rudy, who represents Saran Lok Sabha seat, the Union Transport Minister said, "It's a fact that most of DPR preparing firms are owned by retired engineers, who make DPRs just by copying and pasting from other DPRs. I have taken this matter very seriously and directed my department to help DPR makers responsible for any defect in road projects."
"It has also been mandated by the department to book engineers under section 302 if any one dies in road accident due to their faulty design," he said, adding the DPRs would be finalized after taking inputs of local parliamentarians.
The Union Minister also expressed regret in the Lok Sabha over hurdles like land acquisition and environment clearance faced by various road projects, saying that the country must have a positive approach towards development.
Gadkari also asked all MPs to remain aware about road projects in their respective constituencies and help in resolving problems coming on the way of constructing roads and bridges. "Everyone says 'stop the work'. No one says 'do the work'. The country has to have a positive approach and attitude towards development projects," he said during the Question Hour.
The minister further told Parliament that the government had been working on a Rs 14,000 crore scheme with the assistance of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to remove "black spots" –which are vulnerable to accidents –from the country's roads.
Gadkari said that a scheme worth Rs 7,000 crore will receive the World Bank's assistance and a similar amount from the Asian Development Bank in view of India having the highest number of deaths in road accidents, compared to the world.