Union minister Nitin Gadkari reviewed the quality and maintenance progress of 1,489 km of National Highway projects in Mizoram, 1,759 km of National Highways in Manipur and 1,578 km of National Highways in Nagaland, based on media inputs. The review held in New Delhi included officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and contractors. He emphasised timely execution, strict adherence to quality standards and the adoption of advanced technologies to ensure sustainable and efficient highway infrastructure.

He said improved road connectivity plays a vital role in enhancing connectivity, driving economic growth and improving commuter convenience. He directed officials to ensure comprehensive monsoon preparedness through preventive measures and robust response systems to uphold road safety and durability. He stressed the need to accelerate on-ground execution, strengthen quality monitoring and adopt modern construction practices to enhance asset life and improve riding quality.

Officials were instructed to undertake advance monsoon preparedness, including effective drainage management, slope protection and quick-response mechanisms to minimise disruptions and ensure commuter safety. The review examined project timelines, maintenance protocols and technology adoption across key corridors to promote seamless connectivity. Emphasis was placed on lifecycle maintenance approaches and material quality checks to extend pavement life and reduce long-term costs.

The minister called for closer coordination among central agencies, state authorities and contractors to expedite delivery while maintaining environmental and social safeguards. He urged the use of technologies such as improved materials, mechanised construction methods and digital monitoring for timely detection of defects. The meeting sought to align resource allocation and contractor performance metrics with stringent quality indicators to achieve durable outcomes.

Follow-up actions were directed to include periodic audits, enhanced site supervision and contingency planning for extreme weather events to protect investments and ensure commuter confidence. Officials were asked to report progress regularly to the ministry to enable course corrections and maintain transparency. The review is expected to inform implementation plans and operational priorities for the coming months.