In response to the seasonal monsoon’s impact on India’s National Highways (NHs), the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has outlined its comprehensive strategy for development and upkeep. The Ministry, alongside its key agencies—National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and various state and UT Public Works Departments—undertakes the continuous maintenance and enhancement of NHs to ensure they remain in optimal condition.
The process includes regular assessments and targeted maintenance actions addressing issues such as deficiencies, damage, and necessary upgrades. Special attention is given to drainage systems to mitigate the effects of heavy rainfall and high flood levels. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for NH projects incorporate factors such as terrain and soil type, guiding the construction of essential infrastructure like roadside drains, culverts, and bridges according to standard specifications and IRC codes.
To ensure effective maintenance and repair (M&R), the Ministry has implemented a robust mechanism assigning responsibility to specific agencies. For stretches undergoing development or under Operation, Maintenance, and Transfer (OMT) Concessions, the onus falls on the respective concessionaires or contractors until the end of the Defect Liability Period (DLP) or Concession Period. Similarly, for stretches managed under Toll Operate and Transfer (TOT) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvIT), maintenance is the responsibility of the designated concessionaires.
For all other NH sections, the Ministry has adopted a policy to ensure continuous maintenance through Performance Based Maintenance Contracts (PBMC) or Short Term Maintenance Contracts (STMC), guaranteeing no section is left without a dedicated maintenance agency.
Last year, the Ministry invested Rs. 6,523 Crore in the upkeep of National Highways, reflecting its commitment to maintaining infrastructure resilience amid challenging monsoon conditions. This information was disclosed by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
