UP: As part of this ambitious plan, a key focus is on enhancing access to charitable sites with the construction of 100 km of roads, a venture costing Rs 550 crore. Additionally, a network of roads spanning 1000 km is in the pipeline to facilitate sugarcane farmers, pending necessary approvals and a total estimated cost of Rs 550 crore.
The state’s commitment to industrial development is evident in the forthcoming road projects within industrial areas. An estimated 70 km of roads will be built, with a keen eye on road quality improvement across 45 identified stretches totaling 200 km, accounting for an allocation of Rs 550 crore. Special repairs covering 600 km of roads are also on the agenda, with a budget allocation of Rs 400 crore.
However, amidst these ambitious plans, concerns have surfaced regarding the pressure exerted on engineers to expedite the road-building process. The Diploma Engineers Association of PWD has accused authorities of pushing for hasty construction, jeopardizing the quality of roads. Union President ND Dwivedi pointed out delays in budget approvals and undue pressure on junior and assistant engineers across districts, asserting that such conditions could lead to subpar road quality, especially when working in adverse weather conditions.
In response to these claims, the Chief Engineer of Bareilly, Sanjay Tiwari, clarified that deadlines for special repair work were established after consultations with section XENs and not arbitrarily set. PWD Principal Secretary Ajay Chauhan emphasized a commitment to working only in favorable weather conditions to ensure the quality of road infrastructure. Any instances of construction in dense fog will be investigated, and appropriate action will be taken against responsible engineers.
As Uttar Pradesh gears up for an extensive road development initiative, the balance between speed and quality remains a critical aspect that authorities must carefully navigate to ensure the successful implementation of this transformative plan.
