Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Orders Urgent Infrastructure Repairs Amid Monsoon Damage

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel chaired a high-level meeting in Gandhinagar on Monday to address infrastructure damage caused by recent heavy rainfall, directing officials to expedite repairs to roads, highways, bridges, and causeways across urban and rural areas, according to a state government release. Emphasizing a “war footing” approach, Patel insisted that repair work should proceed relentlessly, even during holidays, to minimize public inconvenience.

Patel stressed accountability, mandating that contractors be held responsible for damages occurring within defect liability periods, with no compromise on quality. Municipal commissioners, joining via video conference, were instructed to promptly tackle waterlogging and road repairs in cities. The Chief Minister also called for long-term solutions to recurring urban flooding and infrastructure issues, urging coordination among the state Roads and Buildings Department, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), panchayat department, and municipal corporations.

The 24x7 control room in Gandhinagar was tasked with ensuring immediate action upon reports of damage, with engineers and officials directed to start repairs without delay. NHAI officials reported that 58 km of the 83 km of damaged National Highways have been repaired, with the remaining 25 km expected to be completed soon. Posts on X echoed Patel’s urgency, noting his directive to prioritize durable repairs and involve only reputable contractors, with ongoing operations in areas like Vadodara-Vapi and Rajkot-Jetpur.

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This proactive response builds on Patel’s earlier efforts, including a Rs 107 crore allocation for pre-monsoon road repairs and a Rs 1,419 crore relief package for farmers affected by crop damage in 2024, reflecting a focus on resilience against Gujarat’s recurring monsoon challenges.

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