Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has sharply criticized the quality of infrastructure projects, attributing the issues to the creators of detailed project reports (DPRs). Speaking at the 2nd edition of ‘Tunnelling India’ organized by FICCI, Gadkari expressed frustration with the lack of thoroughness in DPRs, which he argues leads to significant problems in highway and tunnel construction.
“I shouldn’t use the term ‘culprit,’ but if there is one, it is the entity responsible for creating the DPR,” Gadkari remarked. He noted that many DPR creators are retired government officials who often work remotely without conducting proper field investigations. “These companies often rely on information from Google rather than performing in-depth analyses,” he added.
Gadkari emphasized the critical role of DPRs, which contain essential technical details for large projects. He criticized the existing system where the government, after receiving a DPR, only handles the tendering process without fully understanding the technical nuances. This oversight, according to Gadkari, leads to issues in project execution.
The minister also raised concerns about manipulation in the tendering process by some companies, which he believes contributes to cost overruns and project failures. “Certain large companies adjust their financial and technical qualifications to fit their needs,” he claimed.
To address these challenges, Gadkari advocated for enhanced competition and thorough studies, citing the successful construction of the Zozila tunnel as an example of effective project management.
Reflecting on the bureaucratic process, Gadkari commented on the influence of government officers in decision-making. “We run the government based on the recommendations of joint secretaries and undersecretaries. Their input is crucial, and the final decisions are signed off by higher officials, including ministers,” he said, describing this as an essential aspect of governance.
