A parliamentary standing committee has flagged concerns over the reactive nature of highway maintenance budgeting, underutilisation of research and development funds, and slow progress in key projects such as port connectivity under the Bharatmala project.
The report highlighted that while overall budget utilisation might suggest good absorption of funds, there is wide variation across verticals.
The committee recommended that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways adopt specific, measurable annual targets to reduce road crashes and fatalities under its outcome budget framework.
It also suggested expediting notification of comprehensive national standards for safety and operations in the ropeway sector, along with a vendor development programme to boost domestic manufacturing.
The committee noted that the ministry's inability to effectively utilise research and development funds has led to repeated surrender of allocations and recommended setting up a standing R&D facilitation cell to improve uptake and promote cost-effective technologies.
For better fund utilisation, the committee suggested that the National Highways Authority of India adopt a 'completion-first' protocol and create a joint port connectivity mission with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to expedite coastal regulation zone clearances.
