Minister urges highway engineers to avoid cost, time overruns

HYDERABAD: Stressing the need to complete road projects without time and cost overruns, Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Sarvey Sathyanarayana advised engineers and contractors today, not compromise on the quality of construction.

Speaking at the inauguration of a national workshop on engineering, procurement and construction at the National Academy of Construction here, he said road infrastructure contributes not only to economic growth, but also helps poverty alleviation and employment generation.

"It is necessary for highway engineers as well contractors to provide world class roads to our citizens, facilitating access to education, health and well-being, within the context of sustainable development," Sathyanarayana said.

He said that proper implementation of road projects requires higher professional ethics and commitment to ensure that roads constructed at such high cost are long lasting and do not deteriorate prematurely.

"I appeal to highway engineers, including contractors' representatives, consultants, engineers from state public works departments and other departments to pledge not to compromise the quality of construction and complete road projects without time and cost overruns," he said.

The minister said a total of Rs 765 crore was spent during 2012-13 by the Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry for upkeep of national highways and other roads in Andhra Pradesh, a press release said.