Poor DPRs by Indian companies causing project delays, accidents, says Nitin Gadkari

Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday expressed concern over the poor quality of detailed project reports (DPRs) prepared by Indian companies, saying these below-standard reports cause project delays and road accidents. Addressing an event organised by industry body FICCI, Gadkari further said major cost escalation happens in the construction of highways and other roads due to delays in decision making.

"Sabse jyada culprit koi hai toh DPR banane wala (The biggest culprit is the entity which makes DPR). DPR quality is a big issue," he said, adding that the preference should be given to international companies as such reports made by Indian companies are not good.

The road transport and highways minister, who is known for his frank views, blames the poor quality of DPRs for some of the road accidents.


Gadkari said contractors should discourage the use of diesel machines.

The minister also emphasised the need for managing construction costs without compromising standards.

In light of the impressive growth of tunnelling projects in India, Gadkari noted that currently 144 tunnel projects spanning a length of 357 km across national highways, amounting to a cost of Rs 2 lakh crores are underway in the country.

Furthermore, he said 54 tunnel projects are under the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage.

"There is a huge potential for tunnelling in India," Gadkari said.

The minister also advocated for a transparent, time-bound, result-oriented, and corruption-free system and said this approach aims to ensure that India's tunnel projects meet global standards.