In a first, NHAI deploys HQ officers for inspection of highways

NEW DELHI: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), in a first-of-its-kind exercise, has sent around 60 officers from its headquarters across the country for inspections of operation and maintenance of around highway stretches and to evaluate the “general look, feel and comfort” from the perspective of users.The officials have been directed to mandatorily feed the defects and deficiencies into the NHAI One app on the spot. The move is significant amid increasing concerns over proper maintenance of NH stretches.Sources said the NHAI is likely to repeat such exercises to cover stretches to get reports directly from the ground rather than depending on what field officers feed into the system or provide in their reports.“The officers have been given specific tasks to record all deficiencies that impact aesthetics, safety, smoothness and user comfort. One of the major concerns has been the riding quality. Since all the field units had sufficient advance notice to improve maintenance standards, now they have no excuse for any deficiency on their part,” said an official.NHAI has deployed network survey vehicles (NSVs) to capture deficiencies on highway corridors and the reports are being shared with field officers and contractors who are submitting action taken reports (ATRs). The inspecting officials have been asked to check the accuracy and effectiveness of ATRs.As per directions, any personnel of contractor or concessionaire has been “strictly prohibited” during these checks, and after the field inspection, each officer has to submit a summary report for necessary action.