Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari reviewed the quality, maintenance and progress of National Highway projects in Telangana, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh during separate meetings held in New Delhi on Wednesday. The Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra was also present for the review meetings. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) said the review covered National Highway projects spanning 4,931 km in Telangana, 2,035 km in Jammu and Kashmir and 804 km in Ladakh, amounting to over 7,700 km.\n\nThe meetings drew on feedback from media reports, social media and inputs from officials of MoRTH, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and project contractors. Officials presented detailed updates on project timelines, maintenance schedules and contractual compliance for the identified stretches. Follow-up actions were agreed to address reported defects and accelerate remedial works where required.\n\nThe Minister assessed the status of ongoing projects and the measures being taken to ensure delivery of safe, efficient and durable highway infrastructure. He directed officials and executing agencies to expedite project implementation while maintaining high standards of quality and accountability. He also instructed the strengthening of monitoring mechanisms and the timely completion of projects. The adoption of advanced construction technologies and best engineering practices was urged to improve durability, riding comfort and long-term performance of National Highway corridors.\n\nThe review also examined preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season and the need for preventive and mitigation measures across all project stretches. Officials were instructed to prioritise effective drainage management, slope stabilisation and protection works and to deploy rapid-response systems to minimise weather-related disruptions. Emphasis was placed on the role of well maintained highways in improving regional connectivity, facilitating economic growth, promoting tourism and enhancing commuter convenience. A schedule of inspections and periodic audits was proposed to ensure continued oversight and timely resolution of identified issues.
