Nitin Gadkari Lashes Out at Contractors Over Poor Maintenance of EPE, Issues Stern Warning
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Union Minister Nitin Gadkari vows strict action against agencies failing to maintain roads, warning of blacklisting and forfeiture of bank guarantees.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari delivered a sharp reprimand to contractors and agencies responsible for the substandard upkeep of the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) during an event on Tuesday. He warned that those failing to maintain roads properly would face severe consequences, including the forfeiture of bank guarantees and blacklisting from future tenders.
Gadkari’s warning came after personally inspecting the condition of the EPE en route to Ghaziabad, where he was set to inaugurate a tree plantation drive titled “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” under the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2024’ campaign. Expressing dissatisfaction, he stated, “We will not spare you. We will ensure that those doing bad work have their bank guarantees forfeited and are blacklisted from future projects.”
Highlighting the progress made in infrastructure development, the minister also stressed the importance of environmental sustainability and biofuel initiatives. However, his address took a serious tone when criticizing the poor state of the EPE, urging better maintenance standards.
While condemning poor performers, Gadkari promised that contractors and agencies who excel in maintaining roads would receive special recognition from the government. He added, “Those who do good will be awarded, while those who do bad will be driven out of the system.”
