The 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 in New Delhi on Wednesday, with the Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Harsh Malhotra, in attendance. 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. The meetings assessed contractual compliance, timelines and maintenance priorities for the identified stretches.

The 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 and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and project contractors. Officials presented detailed updates on project timelines, maintenance schedules and corrective actions, and follow up measures were agreed to address reported defects and accelerate remedial works where required. A programme of enhanced reporting and coordination across agencies was proposed to ensure timely resolution of outstanding issues.

The minister assessed progress on ongoing contracts and directed officials and executing agencies to expedite implementation while maintaining high standards of quality and accountability. He instructed strengthening of monitoring mechanisms, the timely completion of projects and enhanced contractual oversight, and encouraged the adoption of advanced construction technologies and best engineering practices to improve durability, riding comfort and long-term performance of National Highway corridors. Emphasis was placed on transparent tracking of milestones and compliance with safety and workmanship norms.

The review also examined preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season and required preventive and mitigation measures across all project stretches. Officials were asked to prioritise effective drainage management, slope stabilisation and protection works and to deploy rapid response systems to minimise weather related disruptions. A schedule of inspections and periodic audits was proposed to ensure continued oversight.