Lok Sabha Question No. 141 (STARRED), answered on 2024-12-05
Subject: Technical Flaws in Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Hanuman Beniwal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 141 ANSWERED ON 5 TH  DECEMBER, 2024

## TECHNICAL FLAWS IN DELHI-MUMBAI EXPRESSWAY

†*141.  SHRI HANUMAN BENIWAL:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  quality  of  the  road  constructed  under  Delhi-Mumbai Expressway via Rajasthan under Bharatmala Pariyojana is very poor due to which the road has caved in at many places and is in dilapidated condition;
- (b) if so, the details of the persons/authorities responsible thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has investigated the causes of road accidents on the said route;
- (d) if  so,  the  details  of  the  technical  flaws  responsible  for  the  road accidents; and
- (e)     the corrective steps taken thereon so far?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a) to (e)        A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 141 ANSWERED ON 5 TH  DECEMBER, 2024 ASKED BY  SHRI  HANUMAN  BENIWAL  REGARDING  'TECHNICAL  FLAWS  IN  DELHIMUMBAI EXPRESSWAY'.

- (a)      Delhi  -  Vadodara  -  Mumbai  Expressway  is  being  constructed  as  per standards  &  specifications.  In  Delhi  -  Vadodara  (DVE)  section  of  the Expressway, a new technology in terms of perpetual pavement with  wearing course of Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) has been introduced in which some deficiencies have occurred in certain stretches during construction. Further, heavy rains in monsoon has resulted in damages at certain  locations  of  Sohna-  Dausa  section  of  the  Expressway  which  is opened  to  traffic.  For  permanent  remedial  measures  for  Sohna-  DausaLalsot section, the pavement has been investigated through IIT, Khargpur. As  per  initial  findings  of  the  investigation  certain  deficiencies  have  been observed in quality of SMA layer. The stretches of damaged SMA layer are proposed to be relaid by EPC contractors at their own cost. Meanwhile, the rectification work are being done by the concerned Contractor at their own cost as per mandate of maintenance and Defect Liability Period of 10 years, as envisaged in the contract agreement, and are maintaining the stretch in traffic worthy condition.
- (b)      Based  on  the  final  investigation  report, strict  action  would be  taken against  contractors  and  supervision  consultants  as  per  provisions  of Contract  Agreement.  Further,  show  cause  notices  have  been  issued  to NHAI officers responsible for monitoring in the field. Final action is to be taken based on outcome of the enquiry.
- (c)      Accidents occurring on the expressway section are primarily due to over-speeding  by  vehicles,  fatigue  and  unauthorized  parking  of  heavy vehicles on Road side.
- (d)  and  (e)  In  order  to  curb  the  over-speeding  of  vehicles,  online  challans through VSDS (Vehicle Speed Detection System) placed on the expressway are  issued  in  close  coordination  with  State  Police.  Further  unauthorized parking is also being removed with the help of State Administration. NHAI has taken following additional measures:
- (i)  Rest  Areas/Wayside  amenities  are  provided  at  regular  intervals  on  the expressway to reduce driver fatigue.

(ii) Adequate signages have been provided along the expressway to provide information to the road users. (iii) Traffic Monitoring Camera (TMCS), are also provided at every Kilometer for monitoring of the expressway. (iv)  Variable  message  signs  have  been  provided  to  provide  road  safety related messages and other information to road users. (v) Regular patrolling of Expressway is being done to remove any potential hazards including road side parking. (vi) Ambulances  have  been  provided  at every toll plaza to provide immediate help to accident victims.

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