New Delhi: “Why should I take the flak for potholes?” That’s the no-nonsense retort from Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari as he unveils a transparency blitz to pin accountability where it belongs — on contractors, consultants, and officials, not just the government.
In a bold push for openness, Gadkari has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and road builders to install QR code boards along every national highway. A quick scan will reveal the project’s full cast: who designed it, who built it, and who’s overseeing maintenance. “If roads are crumbling and social media erupts in complaints, people must know who’s at fault. At a recent meeting, Gadkari joked that he was no longer the target of criticism.
He didn’t stop there. NHAI and firms must now launch YouTube channels, uploading video updates on every project for public scrutiny and feedback. Road Transport Secretary V Umashankar added, “We’ve often learnt about progress from independent YouTubers — now, it’s contract-mandated.”
Gadkari stressed quality: “Toll payers deserve international-standard roads. We kindly request that any issues, such as weather or subpar asphalt, be promptly addressed to ensure smooth roads, even if it results in increased costs. To enforce this, performance audits will spotlight flaws and reward excellence, ditching delays for delivery.
On the expansion front, a ₹2 lakh crore scheme will upgrade 25,000 km of highways to four lanes, linking ports, boosting religious tourism, and embracing precast tech for swifter, superior builds.
Gadkari’s reforms promise pothole-free journeys and a government that is finally taking responsibility.
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