The mechanised drain cleaning framework is aimed at improving stormwater management ahead of the monsoon season by mandating mechanised cleaning of lined drains in urban and built-up areas. It envisages integrated deployment of equipment such as high-flow super suction and jetting units, hydraulic grab machines and dewatering pump sets for dewatering, loosening of accumulated silt, suction of slurry and removal of heavy debris from drainage channels. Mechanised cleaning will be made a mandatory provision in future maintenance contracts for urban National Highway sections.
NHAI has directed contractors and concessionaires to adhere strictly to prescribed maintenance programmes and inspection schedules for cleaning and repair of drains and to rectify deficiencies within stipulated timelines. The authority will closely monitor compliance and take measures to ensure time-bound remediation to prevent delay and deterioration in pavement and drainage quality. The framework emphasises preventive maintenance and accountability under performance-based maintenance contracts.
The guidelines also include structured assessment and approval of costs for deployment of automatic pothole filling, compacting and patching machines and mechanised road sweeping machines under performance-based maintenance contracts to accelerate adoption across the network. Automatic pothole repair units will reduce maintenance response time and preserve pavement integrity while mechanised sweeper deployment will improve corridor cleanliness, visibility and road safety. Initial deployments have been reported on the Varanasi-Aurangabad and Handia-Rajatalab national highways and across projects in Haryana, Punjab and Gujarat.