'Contract system' for Punjab's road maintainence

Chandigarh, Aug 26 (UNI) The 'Long Term Maintenance Contract' system is all set to be introduced in Punjab paving the way for smooth ride on 7200 kms district road network in the state.

All major and minor roads or highways linking various districts would be covered under this new system of maintenance in a phased manner and 1200 kms road network will be covered every year over a period of six years, said PWD Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa.

The Minister said the government has taken a serious view of degradation of the road network due to no or late maintenance.

All future contracts to be awarded for the upgradation, rehabilitation, strengthening and surfacing of any road in the state will be covered by a 'Long Term Maintenance Contract' for six years would be signed by the party awarded the contract said Mr Dhindsa.

He said continued maintenance would ensure timely repair at the earliest.

It would be the responsibility of the contractor to maintain the road network for six years with special attention to road berms and a detailed periodic routine maintenance schedule would be in force for each road, informed the PWD Minister.

The contractor will be responsible for repairing the roads that are damaged due to floods and other unforeseen natural disasters and the employees of the contractors would be posted on strategic roads at various points to accident victims, the Minister said.

Upkeep of road signs, road markings and road reflectors would be part of this contract.

Mr Dhindsa said the output based contract mechanism would be enforced and there would be a penalty clause for non performance to requisite levels.

Funds for upgradation, strengthening, rehabilitation and renewal coat would be met from the budgetary allocation of PWD and also from various schemes of NABARD and Central Roads Fund, the Minister added.

UNI