NHAI takes strict action against defaulters in road construction

NHAI has taken steps to ensure adherence to the standards during construction and maintenance of the projects. On the issue of collapse of the RE Wall on Jetpur-Gondal Section of NH-8B in Gujarat, NHAI has taken strict action against the defaulting firms/ personnel involved with the project. K.N. Mathur, Team Leader cum Senior Highway Engineer in M/s Sai Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. and Sr. Bridge Engineer, R.B. Singh, have been debarred for two years from engagement on NHAI projects to be taken either directly or indirectly, for not performing duties as per consultancy agreement. For defaults in proper Operation & Maintenance of the project, it has debarred M/s Wadia Techno-Engineering Services Ltd. in association with M/s Varad Associate Ltd. and its directors for a year from participating/engagement in any future project/ bid of NHAI projects to be taken directly or indirectly. For defaults in proper design, engineering, construction and operation & maintenance of the project, NHAI has debarred M/s Western Gujarat Expressway Ltd. (promoted by M/s Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltd.) and its directors for two years from participating/engagement in any future project/ bid of NHAI projects.

NHAI has framed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to deal with such incidents. As per the SOP, in case of a mishap at the project site, a team of 3 experts shall be appointed by NHAI to visit the site within 24 hours to carry out technical analysis and analyze the reasons along with fixing the responsibility for the failure. The situation shall be monitored on an hourly basis. The team shall submit the preliminary report within 3 days and the final report within 7 days. The report submitted shall be examined at NHAI HQ and action shall be initiated against the individuals/ firms responsible for the incident. Action against NHAI officers shall also be taken if found guilty of dereliction of their duty.

Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Chairman, NHAI, said, "Our top priority is to ensure delivery of high-quality National Highways. Any lapses shall not be tolerated and strict action shall be taken against defaulting Contractors and Consultants. And, good work shall be appreciated by all means."