BIDAR, 13 MARCH

Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi has announced that additional road safety measures will be introduced on the newly constructed NH-161(A), linking Aurad (B) to Bidar, in response to growing safety concerns. The measures, implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), are currently underway and expected to be completed shortly.

This development follows an unstarred question raised in the Legislative Assembly by former minister and Aurad (B) MLA Prabhu B. Chavan. Jarkiholi confirmed that the 45.535 km stretch of highway was built as a two-lane paved-shoulder road under NHAI supervision, adhering to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways standards. He insisted the road was constructed with quality materials, despite concerns regarding cracks and uneven surfaces that have emerged less than two years after completion.

Chavan expressed his frustration to Jarkiholi, accusing officials of misleading the Assembly and neglecting to address the quality issues. He demanded that senior officers inspect the highway and called for the minister to visit the site personally. Chavan argued that the construction, long awaited by residents, has been compromised due to collusion between authorities and contractors. He urged for swift action against negligent parties and necessary repairs to the highway.