Nitin Gadkari, the minister of roads and highways, stated that 144 tunnel projects totaling 2 lakh crore, covering 357 km across national highways, are currently under construction in the nation.
The Minister pointed out that 30 tunnels, covering 45 km, are in opertion, while another 16 tunnels, adding up to around 120 km, are under implementation.
Nitin Gadkari also expressed concern over the poor quality of detailed project reports (DPRs) prepared by Indian companies, saying these below-standard reports cause project delays and road accidents.
Addressing an event organised by industry body FICCI, Gadkari further said major cost escalation happens in the construction of highways and other roads due to delays in decision making.
“Sabse jyada culprit koi hai toh DPR banane wala (The biggest culprit is the entity which makes DPR). DPR quality is a big issue,” he said, adding that the preference should be given to international companies as such reports made by Indian companies are not good.
