Vizag MP Calls for Global Standards in Road Works
Sribharat stressed the need to strengthen tender specifications and construction standards by incorporating recommendations from national technical institutions such as CSIR and CRRI.
Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam MP Mathukumilli Sribharat has called for the use of modern technology and world-class construction standards to improve the quality and durability of the city’s roads.
Addressing a review meeting at the GVMC-Smart City Office on Monday, Sribharat stressed the need to strengthen tender specifications and construction standards by incorporating recommendations from national technical institutions such as the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI).
GVMC commissioner Ketan Garg and a team of experts led by CSIR-CRRI director Dr Chalumuri Ravi Sekhar attended the meeting.
Sribharat said quality, transparency and long-term durability should be the primary objectives of road projects undertaken with public funds.
He called for the use of advanced technologies to monitor material quality, pavement thickness and construction standards.
He also called for integrated development of roads, footpaths, drainage systems, junctions and other street infrastructure.
The MP stressed the need for a mechanism to ensure proper restoration of roads excavated for utility works, including power and water supply projects.
He also advocated a long-term transport strategy linking road infrastructure with proposed systems such as BRTS, Metro Rail and electric mobility networks.
Officials said GVMC, with support from VMRDA, was implementing a major infrastructure programme across eight Assembly constituencies.
The project includes upgrading about 228 km of gravel and water-bound macadam roads to BT and CC standards, developing 34 km of central medians, installing more than 1,550 streetlights and improving key junctions.
Garg said GVMC would utilise CSIR-CRRI’s expertise to enhance road quality, safety and sustainability.
He directed officials to identify priority stretches and undertake improvements based on scientific assessments and local requirements.
Dr Ravi Sekhar said the institute was ready to work with GVMC and VMRDA to develop a safer and more efficient road network.
He said nodal officers would be appointed and joint field inspections conducted to identify priority stretches.
The meeting also discussed road safety audits, pedestrian infrastructure, rationalisation of speed breakers and implementation of a modern Road Asset Management System.
Earlier, the CSIR-CRRI team and GVMC engineering officials inspected selected road stretches in the city.
