MP seeks technology-based monitoring of road works

Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat on Monday called for technology-based systems to monitor the quality of road construction and maintenance in the city.

Mr. Sribharat and the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner met Chalamuri Ravi Shekhar, Director of the CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), at the GVMC Smart City office on Beach Road. The talks focused on road construction standards and quality monitoring.

The MP suggested that the GVMC seek the CRRI’s technical inputs while drawing up specifications and tender conditions for major road projects. He stressed the need for quality and durability in publicly funded works.

Participants also explored the use of network survey vehicles, advanced cameras and digital inspection systems to monitor construction quality, pavement thickness and compliance with standards. Such systems could help detect deficiencies and enable timely corrective action.

An integrated approach to street design, with roads, footpaths, drainage and junctions planned together, was discussed as well.

Mr. Sribharat pressed for stricter norms for restoring roads dug up for utility works such as electricity and water supply lines. He said the agencies concerned must be held responsible for restoring the roads to the required standards.

The meeting also dwelt on planning roads to meet the city’s future public transport needs, including integration with the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) and Metro, and support for electric mobility.

The meeting proposed closer coordination among the CRRI, the GVMC and the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) to improve technical standards and adopt modern road-monitoring systems, and a possible memorandum of understanding (MoU) among the three bodies.

Mr. Sribharat said the aim was to ensure effective use of public funds and build durable roads suited to the city’s long-term mobility needs.