Gadkari Condemns DPR Makers for Project Mismanagement at FICCI Event

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari criticizes Detailed Project Report (DPR) makers for procedural negligence in highway and tunnel construction, citing the impact on project costs and quality. Speaking at FICCI's Tunneling India event, he also highlighted the influence of government officials in project decision-making and tender manipulation.

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, lambasted DPR makers on Tuesday for not adhering to proper procedures in the construction of highways, roads, and tunnels across the country. He was speaking at the 2nd edition of 'TUNNELING INDIA: Emerging Trends and Opportunities' organized by FICCI.

Addressing issues related to road accidents and tunnel failures, Gadkari remarked, "If there is any culprit in this, then it is the one who made the DPR. I apologize; I am using the word 'culprit'. These companies are often owned by retired officials who work based on Google searches without thorough investigation." Gadkari further explained the government's procedure, noting, "Our government issues tenders after receiving the DPR. Ministers don't grasp technical terms, so officials smartly include technical and financial qualifications."

He expressed concerns about companies manipulating the tender process, stating, "Big companies tailor the financial and technical qualifications to their advantage," though he clarified not all companies engage in manipulation. He highlighted the role of government officials in these decisions, stating, "Our joint secretaries and undersecretaries guide the process, and what they write is signed off by the Director General and the minister."

Gadkari noted that such manipulations unnecessarily escalate project costs, but emphasized that comprehensive studies and competition could reduce these costs. He cited the Zozila Tunnel project, originally sanctioned for Rs 12,000 crore but now estimated to be completed for Rs 5,200-5,300 crore, due to effective planning and competition.

(With inputs from agencies.)