**Summary:**
In response to concerns raised in Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 858 regarding frequent road damage in Kerala, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways addressed issues related to construction standards, rainfall impact, and drainage systems. While acknowledging damages on under-construction stretches of National Highway NH66, the Ministry clarified that concessionaires/contractors are responsible for rectifying these issues at their own cost, as per contractual obligations for maintenance lasting 15 years (Hybrid Annuity Mode projects) or 5-10 years (Engineering, Procurement and Construction projects).
The Ministry stated that no specific scientific study or technical assessment has been conducted in the past five years to identify the root causes of repeated road damage and poor durability of road surfaces in Kerala.
To ensure quality and durability in design, construction, and maintenance of National Highways, the Government adheres to standards and specifications prescribed by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC). These standards encompass scientific road design, improved construction practices, and drainage measures. Furthermore, an expert committee has been formed to assess vulnerable locations on ongoing projects along NH66 in Kerala and recommend remedial actions. The committee's report is currently pending.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: The government ministry responsible for road transport and highways.
SHRI E T MOHAMMED BASHEER: Member of Parliament who raised the unstarred question in Lok Sabha.
Kerala: A state in India where road damages are reported.
SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI: The Minister of Road Transport and Highways.
National Highway NH66: A national highway in Kerala where some stretches have undergone damages.
Hybrid Annuity Mode HAM: A mode of project execution where concessionaires/contractors are obligated to maintain roads for 15 years.
Engineering, Procurement and Construction EPC: A mode of project execution where contractors are responsible for design, procurement, and construction and are obligated to maintain roads for a specific period.
Indian Roads Congress IRC: An organization that prescribes standards and specifications for the design, construction, and maintenance of National Highways in India.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 858
ANSWERED ON 24TH JULY, 2025
SCIENTIFIC STUDY TO PREVENT ROAD DAMAGES
858. SHRI E T MOHAMMED BASHEER:
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार् ग मंत्री
be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that roads in the State
of Kerala are frequently damaged due to poor construction
standards, heavy rainfall and inadequate drainage systems and if
so, the details thereof ;
(b) whether any scientific study or technical assessment has
been conducted in the past five years to identify the root causes
of repeated road damage and poor durability of road surfaces in
Kerala;
(c) if so, the studies conducted, the agencies involved and the
key findings and recommendations under such study/assesment;
and
(d) the concrete steps the Government proposes to take to
ensure the adoption of scientific road design, improved
construction quality, better drainage and robust maintenance
practices in Kerala to prevent recurrent damage and ensure
longer road life in future?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)
(a) Certain under construction stretches on National Highway
(NH)-66 in the State of Kerala have undergone damages. Theseare to be rectified by the respective
Concessionaires/Contractors at their own cost, as they are
contractually obligated to maintain the roads for 15 years in
Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) projects and for 5years(flexible
pavement) / 10 years (rigid pavement and structures) in
Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) projects
after completion.
(b) No, Sir
(c) Does not arise.
(d) For the design, construction and maintenance of NHs,
Government follows the standards & specifications prescribed
by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) to ensure quality and
durability. These standards incorporate provisions for
scientific road design, improved construction practices, and
appropriate drainage measures to enhance the service life of
roads. Further, an expert committee has been constituted to
assess vulnerable locations prone to damage across all
ongoing projects on NH-66 in the State of Kerala and to
suggest appropriate remedial measures. The report of the
Committee has not been received so far.
******