ITANAGAR, May 25: In a bid to ensure quality and timely completion of road projects in the state, Chief Minister Pema Khandu called for a review of ongoing projects and urged chief engineers to curb the practice of preparing Detail Project Reports (DPRs) with inflated budget estimates.
During a comprehensive review meeting of road projects executed by various state departments, including Highways, Public Works, Rural Works, and Urban Development, CM Khandu expressed concern over the tendency of DPRs to have higher cost estimates than the actual project costs. He emphasized the need to consider the financial capabilities of the state government while preparing DPRs.
Highlighting the discrepancy, Khandu cited examples where smaller bridges had higher cost estimates compared to larger ones executed by agencies like the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The CM called on the chief engineers to thoroughly review and revise such exuberant DPRs before submitting them to the government.
To maintain project quality, Khandu recommended the adoption of relevant technology based on the geographical and topographical conditions of the project site. He emphasized the importance of avoiding cost escalation during construction.
Furthermore, CM Khandu advised secretaries and chief engineers to conduct monthly site visits to monitor the progress of work, ensure quality standards, and boost the morale of junior-level officers and staff working on the ground.
In his efforts to combat corruption, the CM urged the officials to have a zero-tolerance approach towards any kind of corrupt practices. He instructed the chief engineers to remain vigilant and address any allegations or complaints of corruption involving their officers promptly.
Regarding the maintenance and revamping of existing roads under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive State Road Development Plan (CMCSRDP), Khandu recommended completing all ongoing projects before entertaining new proposals within the current financial year. He assured the availability of necessary funds from the state government for this purpose.
In the review of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) roads, the CM highlighted the need to prioritize the districts of East Kameng, Kurung Kumey, Kra-Dadi, and Upper Subansiri, as data showed that most of the unconnected villages are located in these areas.
Meanwhile, the Highways (PWD) department informed that with the nearing completion of the Trans Arunachal Highway, the focus now shifts to the Frontier Highway and Inter Connectivity Corridor projects, recently approved by the central government. The Frontier Highway is set to span 1748 kilometers, commencing from Bomdila in West Kameng and ending at Vijaynagar in Changlang. The execution of this highway will involve collaboration between NHIDCL, BRO, and the state PWD.
Additionally, the Union Ministry of Road, Transport, and Highways has identified six interconnectivity corridors to link NH-52 (now NH-15) in Assam with the Trans Arunachal Highway (NH-13) and the proposed Frontier Highway (NH-913).
The review meeting was attended by RWD Minister Honchun Ngandam, along with top officials from the departments of PWD, Highways, RWD, and UD, demonstrating the commitment of the state government towards efficient infrastructure development.
