Centre to monitor maintenance of Goa highways through app

Panaji: Repairs of damaged highways across Goa and their maintenance, carried out by contractors during the defect liability period, will now be centrally monitored by officials of the Union ministry of road transport and Highways (MoRTH) for their quality and timely delivery through an app.

The state public works department (PWD) has already received instructions from the ministry to come on board the app, which became operational on July 21.This app is in addition to the ‘NHAI One’ app, which monitors the progress of highway projects, ensuring timely execution.Over Rs 14,000 crore was sanctioned over the last few years by the MoRTH for highway expansion and upgrading in Goa. Works worth another Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 crore were sanctioned recently.

The ministry wants to be able to monitor the effective maintenance of this infrastructure developed through a huge investment.“The new app is to ensure better internal management of national highways. Central and state officials will be trained in its use. MoRTH has also formed a WhatsApp group for quick information and interaction between maintenance teams and officers for an integrated approach towards highway maintenance management,” said an official.

The mobile application also allows geo-fencing, and central officials will monitor works carried out in Goa through automated reports and using a comprehensive dashboard.“The application facilitates timely updates and verification of defect rectification, manages timelines and penalties, standardises inspection processes, and enhances communication via notifications. The module is specifically designed for works executed by state govts and project implementation units of MoRTH under maintenance contracts, as well as for maintenance during the defect liability period,” said the state official.“‘NHAI One’ streamlines the management of highway projects, improving overall efficiency and addressing both citizen complaints and on-site project requirements. The ‘Rajmargyatra’ app is citizen-centric and provides information about the highway, toll plaza, nearby amenities such as petrol pumps, hospitals, charging stations, weather updates, etc. The new app is for efficient internal management of highway works already carried out,” said the official.