In order to further improve the quality of road construction in Visakhapatnam, Lok Sabha Member of Parliament from the city, Mr Matukumilli Sribharat met with CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) Director Dr. Chalumuri Ravi Shekhar.

The MP accompanied by GVMC Commissioner Mr Ketan Garg, IAS discussed the development, quality standards and modern road construction technologies of Visakhapatnam roads.

As per an official release from the MP’s office, it was stated that before undertaking the proposed road works in the city, there is an urgent need to further strengthen the tender specifications and construction standards by taking advice from experts from national level technical institutions like CRRI.

Focus on Quality & Durability

Mr Sribharat made it clear that quality, durability and transparency should be given utmost priority in every road work undertaken with public money.

The meeting is said to have also discussed methods of continuously monitoring the quality of material used in road construction, road thickness and construction standards with modern technical methods.

It was stated that the quality of roads can be assessed more effectively by using network survey vehicles, cameras and digital data-based inspection systems.

Enhancing Construction Standards

Similarly, it was decided to improve construction standards to reduce the roughness on the roads and provide comfortable travel to the people.

There was also a discussion on implementing the ‘Integrated Street Design’ approach that comprehensively considers footpaths, drainage, junctions and street infrastructure along with roads.

Quick Restoration of Roads

MP Sribharat stressed the need to formulate an effective policy to restore roads with quality standards after digging them for electricity, water supply and other utility works.

He stated that no matter which department or organization digs the road, it should be responsible for restoring the road as per the prescribed standards.

Integrated Mass Transport

The Member of Parliament stated that there is a need to formulate transport infrastructure plans to comprehensively connect BRTS, Metro, Electric and Rapid Transit systems keeping in mind the future transport needs of Visakhapatnam.

It was suggested that roads should be developed keeping in mind long-term solutions in line with the increasing traffic.

GVMC-CRRI Coordination

In addition, the meeting discussed further strengthening the coordination between CRRI, GVMC and VMRDA for comprehensive development of Visakhapatnam roads, improvement of technical standards and implementation of modern monitoring systems.

In this regard, the issue of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for mutual cooperation in the future was also examined.

He said that the goal is to develop long-term durable and international standard road infrastructure in Visakhapatnam so that every rupee of public money is utilized effectively.