Nitin Gadkari warns of strict action against faulty project reports

Consultants involved in preparing defective detailed project reports (DPRs) are "culprits" behind accidents and deaths on highways, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday, and warned contractors of black-listing and other consequences for compromising on construction quality.

The minister's warning has come amid reports that his ministry is preparing tunnel tenders worth Rs 2 lakh crore to Rs 2.5 lakh crore.

Addressing industry body FICCI's 4th Edition of Tunnels & Bridges Conference 2026 in the national capital, the road, transport and highways minister termed the makers of defective DPRs as "culprits" and alleged that consultants prepare these documents with the help of Google, causing loss of life and property.

"Such poor-quality DPRs mean that today on roads, 5 lakh accidents occur, and 1.8 lakh deaths, and all have the problem of defective DPRs," Gadkari said.

The minister also cautioned contractors against compromising on construction quality after bagging an ...