Centre takes strict action over delays in rural road inspections in Himachal Pradesh
Shimla: The Centre has adopted a strict stance over delays in the inspection of roads being built under the Prime Minister’s Rural Roads Scheme (PMGSY) in Himachal Pradesh. The National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA) has sent a letter to Himachal Pradesh and other states expressing sharp criticism over the slow pace of first-phase inspections conducted via the Quality First mobile app.
NRIDA has stated that the Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development will personally review the entire process within 15 days. If no improvement is observed, contractors’ payments will be withheld. The directive has been issued by NRIDA Director Dr. I.K. Pateria.
In its latest review, NRIDA found that while mapping has been completed in OMMAS for several states, including Himachal, actual field inspections are falling short of the required standard. NRIDA has instructed that no contractor bills will be cleared until the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) head conducts field inspections via the Quality First app and issues stage passing certificates.
Contractors have been warned to ensure daily field inspections, release payments only after certificates are available in OMMAS, and conduct timely inspections of all work.
Phase 4 of PMGSY is now beginning in Himachal Pradesh. Under this phase, construction of 294 roads has been approved at a total cost of ₹2,271 crore. These roads will improve connectivity for 431 villages, and some existing roads will also be upgraded.
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