Punjab Newsline, Shimla, June 28-
Secretary PWD Dr. Abhishek Jain today here chaired a meeting with the officials of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and reviewed the progress of various road projects and transport-related services.
Stating that the roads were the backbone of the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh, he said that the NHAI should work to improve the network and conditions of the Highways in the state.
He added that the NHAI should provide better services to the commuters at toll plazas, including medical aid post, traffic aid post, ambulance, cranes and clean toilets. Apart from this, commuters must also be provided better primary health check-ups and treatment services at the toll plazas. He also said that the toll plaza workers must follow a dress code and wear a nameplate while on duty.
He directed the officials of the NHAI to conduct inspections at Toll Plazas from time to time and ensure timely submission of the report at regular intervals to the State Government including status of services of the posts. He further stated that the NHAI should strictly use scientific methods for cutting of hills and mountains to make four-lane roads in the state as Himachal's distinct topography makes it vulnerable to landslides and other forms of disaster. The secretary said that special focus should be on erecting retaining walls, crash barriers and installing night reflectors for safety of commuters and quality of roads.
He emphasized on timely completion of four-lane road projects as they save both time and money of local commuters and tourists. In order to avoid any type of inconvenience to the travellers, better traffic management must be ensured at all the toll plazas, stated Sh. Jain adding that a contractor must ensure 24-hour availability of ambulance, crane and patrol team at the under-construction toll plaza sites to deal effectively with emergency situations.