Government Enacts Road Infrastructure Management and Safety Policy

The government, feeling aggrieved by the poor condition of roads in various parts of the state, especially in the capital, has devised a policy to enhance coordination, smooth implementation, and monitoring of different developmental projects and utilities under the authority of the PWD. The policy, known as the Policy on Utility Management on Roads in Goa, 2023, aims to minimise damage to road infrastructure while prioritising road user safety. Additionally, it grants the PWD the authority to ensure that any proposed utility work aligns with ongoing roadwork and avoids unnecessary disruptions. This intervention became necessary due to frequent instances of multiple agencies or authorities digging up roads, causing immense inconvenience to the public. Uttam Parsekar, the principal chief engineer of the PWD, stated that the policy applies to all utilities installed on roads within the PWD's jurisdiction, including but not limited to water, sewerage, gas, electricity, telecommunication, and cable services. The policy document will provide guidelines for managing utilities on roads and will be applicable to utility companies, contractors, and agencies requiring access to road infrastructure for their services. One of the policy's objectives is to emphasise efficient coordination and communication between departments, agencies, or companies responsible for utility installations and the PWD's road authorities. This entails planning, scheduling, and sharing information about utility locations. Parsekar further explained that the policy aims to offer guidance to utility providers, local authorities, and other stakeholders involved in managing utilities on roads. It also seeks to promote the safe and efficient utilisation of road networks by minimising the impact of utilities on road users, particularly during construction or maintenance activities. The policy ensures that the installation, operation, and maintenance of utilities on roads are conducted in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner. It also ensures fair and transparent allocation of costs related to utility management on roads. In situations where the completion of work related to a particular utility may cause delays in road construction, the concerned executive engineer must seek approval from the PWD minister after considering factors such as monsoon conditions, significant festivals, or events in the area. The policy states that permissions granted by the executive engineer for utility activities on the designated road stretch will be suspended until further notice. Also read: Government of Maharashtra invites tenders for civil works IIT-Delhi flags chloride concern for buildings