The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has taken a major step to streamline the process of preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for highway projects in the country. The ministry has issued a circular on 9 February 2024, stating that DPRs submitted by consultants will be deemed to be approved if no comments or observations are received from the ministry within 45 days of submission.
Benefits of deemed approval system
This initiative is expected to reduce the time and cost involved in preparing DPRs, which are essential documents for planning, designing, financing and implementing highway projects. DPRs contain information on traffic studies, hydrological investigations, geometrical design, pavement design, bridge design, environmental and social impact assessment, project costing and economic analysis.
Online portal for DPR submission and monitoring
According to the circular, the consultants will have to submit the DPRs online through a portal developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The portal will have a dashboard to monitor the status of DPRs and send reminders to the concerned officials for timely review and approval. The portal will also have a provision for uploading the mandatory training certificates of the consultants’ personnel, who have to undergo a training course on “Preparation of Feasibility Study and DPR for Highway Projects” conducted by the Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE).
Revised RFP document for consultancy services
The ministry has also revised the document for Request for Proposal (RFP) for appointment of consultancy services for preparation of DPRs in respect of national highways and centrally sponsored road works. The revised RFP document incorporates the latest guidelines and standards for highway projects, including the use of new technology and materials, alignment with PM Gati Shakti Integrated Master Plan, road safety measures and other preconstruction activities and clearances.
Conclusion
The ministry hopes that these measures will improve the quality and efficiency of DPR preparation and facilitate faster execution of highway projects in line with the vision of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, who has given great emphasis on development of road infrastructure especially national highways in the country.
Recent Blog : Fertilizer Subsidy Surge: Govt Spends ₹1.71 Trillion