Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has issued a stern warning to consultants and contractors, holding them responsible for the alarming number of accidents and fatalities on India's highways. Speaking at FICCI's 4th Edition of Tunnels & Bridges Conference 2026 in New Delhi, Gadkari pinpointed defective Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) as a primary cause.
Defective DPRs Blamed for Road Deaths
Minister Gadkari stated unequivocally that consultants who prepare substandard DPRs are "culprits" contributing to road accidents and deaths. He highlighted that poor quality project planning leads to significant loss of life and property, citing figures of 5 lakh accidents and 1.8 lakh deaths annually, many attributed to flawed DPRs.
He expressed concern that some consultants might be generating these critical documents with insufficient rigor, possibly even using basic tools like Google, rather than thorough surveys and analysis.
Stricter Audits and Blacklisting for Contractors
The minister also cautioned contractors against compromising on construction quality after securing infrastructure projects. He announced that the government would implement stricter scrutiny, including both financial and performance audits, for all infrastructure projects. Contractors found to have neglected quality standards will face severe penalties, including potential blacklisting from future bids.
To further enhance accountability, Gadkari revealed plans to introduce a rating system for both contractors and DPR consultants. These performance ratings will directly influence their eligibility for future government tenders, ensuring that only high-quality and responsible entities participate in crucial infrastructure development.
Commitment to High-Quality Infrastructure
Gadkari reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to providing cost-effective, high-quality infrastructure for the nation, emphasizing that there would be no compromise on standards. The ministry is reviewing existing subcontracting provisions to ensure that principal contractors remain fully responsible for quality and timely execution, even when engaging subcontractors.
The minister also touched upon the unique challenges of constructing tunnels and bridges, particularly in difficult terrains like the Himalayas. He stressed the need for robust DPRs, advanced construction methodologies such as precast technology and tunnel boring machines, improved survey techniques, and early warning systems to mitigate risks like landslides and extreme weather, which often lead to cost overruns and delays.
He mentioned that the ministry is preparing tenders for tunnel projects valued between ₹2 lakh crore and ₹2.5 lakh crore, underscoring the scale of upcoming infrastructure development.