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New Delhi: Concerned about instances of poor quality and substandard work in several national highway (NH) projects, the office of road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari has sought details of all show-cause notices issued to contractors since Jan 2024, the responses received from companies and the action taken so far. Agencies have been directed to submit the details within 15 days.TOI has learnt that the minister’s office said that representations regarding poor-quality work had been submitted to officials concerned and that, in many cases, show-cause notices were issued. However, information on final action taken after replies were received has not been submitted in several instances.In a letter issued to the heads of highway agencies, it was stated that Gadkari has “expressed serious dissatisfaction” over the continuing deficiencies in construction quality and inadequate action against non-performing contractors.
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The minister has now sought comprehensive reports on notices issued to such defaulters, their responses — including corrective measures taken by them — and details of final action taken, such as imposition of monetary penalties and termination of contracts after scrutiny of replies.The minister’s office has also sought the current status of cases where responses are still under scrutiny, along with reasons for the pendency.The move gains significance in light of the rising instances of structural failures and damage to highway stretches, including on newly opened corridors, reported from different states.
