Mr Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) expressing concern at quality and delay in various highway projects has urged the consulting engineers, Independent engineers and DPR engineers to do self introspect and find and suggest ways to remove the deficiencies and improve quality.
“The experience of the Road ministry with independent engineers and DPR engineers have been mixed as they have played a great role in creating excellent infrastructure in the country but in several projects execution lacks much. Some projects which needed to be completed in 2-4 years are languishing for decades. Self introspection by consultants will lead to what went wrong and steps needed for timely completion” Said Mr Nitin Gadkari , Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) while interacting with consulting engineers at a meet held at the Minister’s office recently.
“Ministry had to unwillingly take some harsh steps against consultants for poor quality work. An internal mechanism is needed by consultants for quality improvement. Some of the quotes received by NHAI for various projects are so low that one wonders if they include the salary of the workers and good work “ said Mr Gadkari.
“Ministry has set up a performance check system for consultants and those providing good quality work and will be awarded with more contracts, credit and high scores. The NHAI has also set up a portal ‘GATI’ for better suggestions and removing grievances of consultants and contractors “ said the Minister said .
‘Consulting engineers have been in the forefront of construction of key national buildings, monuments and factories, construction of transportation and smart urban infrastructure, supporting defence forces by providing cutting-edge products and supplying critical components for the Indian space programme. We will work more to use locally-produced materials for construction and related activities.’ Said Mr K K kapila. former chairman Consulting Engineers Association of India (CEAI) and Chairman, Business Practice Committee of CEAI Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Committee, CEAI
“CEAI urges the ministry to give an opportunity to explain to the consulting engineer or contractor or his staff before subjecting to any action, which harms his interest. The age-old tendering system also needs to be changed “ said Mr Kapila.
“CEAI also suggests revising the curriculum of young talent of IIT Graduates and those from other premier institutions and undergraduate engineering students. They may also spend one full semester of Six months in a dedicated internship with the aim of producing industry-ready graduates. Currently, it is mandatory for students to undergo a four-week internship during the end of the seventh semester as per the guidelines from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). “ said Mr Kapila.
