Need to rate DPRs, contractors for quality construction

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is encountering challenges in the development of detailed project reports (DPRs) due to a reluctance among involved companies to embrace new technology, as stated by Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways. Gadkari stressed the importance of evaluating both DPRs and contractors to ensure the creation of high-quality infrastructure in the country. Gadkari expressed concern about major players in the steel and cement industries engaging in cartelization practices to artificially inflate prices. During his address at the 4th CRISIL India Infrastructure Conclave 2023 on Tuesday, he commented, The steel industry and cement industry, whenever they get the chance, they make the cartel and increase the rate. He further noted that the preparation of DPRs poses a significant challenge for NHAI, with virtually no perfect DPR evident in any project. Gadkari emphasized the necessity of financial audit, technological audit, and performance audit. He observed, While making DPR, they (companies engaged in DPR making) are not ready to accept new technology, new innovation, new research, and even the standard of DPRs is so low that everywhere (there is) additional scope of work.