New Delhi, 25 June (H.S.): Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday reviewed the quality, maintenance, and progress of National Highway projects covering 4,931 kilometres in Telangana, 2,035 kilometres in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and 804 kilometres in Ladakh during separate review meetings held in New Delhi. Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra was also present during the meetings.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Thursday, the reviews were conducted based on feedback received through media reports, social media platforms, and inputs from officials of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the National Highways Authority of India, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, as well as project contractors.

The ministry stated that Gadkari assessed the status of ongoing projects, maintenance activities, and measures being undertaken to ensure the development of safe, efficient, and sustainable highway infrastructure. He emphasized the need to accelerate project implementation while maintaining the highest standards of quality and accountability.

Gadkari directed officials and implementing agencies to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, ensure timely completion of works, and adopt advanced construction technologies and best practices to improve the durability, travel comfort, and long-term performance of highway corridors.

He underscored the importance of well-developed road infrastructure in enhancing regional connectivity, accelerating economic growth, promoting tourism, and improving convenience for commuters.

The Union Minister also stressed the need for comprehensive monsoon preparedness across all project stretches. He instructed officials to undertake preventive and mitigation measures, including effective drainage management, slope stabilization and protection works, and the deployment of rapid response systems to address weather-related disruptions.

He said these measures are essential to ensuring uninterrupted connectivity, road safety, and the resilience of the National Highway network.

In addition, Gadkari reaffirmed the government's commitment to developing world-class highway infrastructure across the country through timely execution, stringent quality assurance, and the adoption of modern engineering solutions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar