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Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has raised concerns over persistent delays and cost overruns in road construction projects executed by the Border Roads Organisation, particularly in border areas. Speaking at an infrastructure conference in the past week, he emphasised the need to modernise execution systems, improve planning, and accelerate decision-making processes. The minister highlighted issues such as land acquisition delays, weak project reporting, and lack of contractor accountability. He also indicated that the government is working to revise the model concession framework for BOT projects, while stressing the importance of quality control and transparency in highway development.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has expressed concern over delays in road construction projects undertaken by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), highlighting systemic inefficiencies and calling for faster execution and improved accountability in infrastructure development, particularly in border regions. Advertisement
Speaking at the ‘Annual Infrastructure Conference cum Achiever’s Award 2026’ in the past week, the minister pointed to prolonged project timelines and cost overruns as key issues affecting road development in strategically important areas. He indicated that despite the disciplined image associated with defence institutions, infrastructure projects in border regions continue to face execution challenges.
The Border Roads Organisation, which operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, is responsible for developing and maintaining road infrastructure in border areas and neighbouring countries. Established in 1960, the agency plays a critical role in strategic connectivity.
Gadkari highlighted that delays in decision-making, inadequate planning, and lack of accountability are among the primary factors contributing to stalled projects and rising costs. He noted that even relatively minor issues such as land acquisition hurdles and delays in securing statutory permissions often escalate into significant financial and time-related setbacks.
The minister also raised concerns about the quality of construction and enforcement mechanisms. He indicated that contractors sometimes deliver substandard work without facing adequate penalties, as defect liability provisions are not effectively implemented in practice. He stated that there is a need for stricter enforcement, including penal action and blacklisting of non-performing contractors where necessary.
In addition to execution challenges, Gadkari pointed to deficiencies in project preparation, particularly the quality of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). He observed that in some cases, tenders are issued without comprehensive DPRs or adequate soil testing, leading to structural failures in roads and bridges and subsequent cost escalations.
The minister emphasised the importance of maintaining high construction standards, noting that increased public scrutiny through digital platforms has made project deficiencies more visible. He stressed that transparency, time-bound approvals, and accountability must be embedded within the system to improve project outcomes.
Gadkari also indicated that the highways ministry is working on revising the model concession agreement for build-operate-transfer (BOT) projects. The move follows limited response to changes introduced earlier, as the government seeks to make the framework more viable for private sector participation.
Additionally, he mentioned that efforts are underway to develop a mechanism to account for the cost of built structures on land parcels being acquired for highway projects, a factor that has implications for compensation and project timelines.
The remarks underscore ongoing challenges in India’s infrastructure delivery framework, particularly in projects requiring coordination across multiple agencies and regulatory approvals.
Source - PTI
5th Jun, 2025
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