New Delhi: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the public will now be able to identify the people in charge of badly maintained roads thanks to QR-coded signboards that list the names and contact information of contractors, engineers and officials. He emphasised the importance of accountability and openness in the building and upkeep of roads.
“The signboard will let people know who the minister, secretary, or contractor is associated with the specific road, with their contact details. Why should I get the abuse alone? Why should I respond on social media?… If a road is bad and people are complaining about it on social media, we should take it seriously. We need ownership, sincerity, and a positive approach in road construction. Roads must be good, and they must stay good,” Gadkari said.
The announcement comes after the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) updated its roadside signboard regulations to make them more understandable and informative. In addition to contact details for officials in charge of maintaining that specific stretch, each panel will have a Quick Response (QR) code that commuters can scan to obtain up-to-date information on emergency and essential services.
In accordance with the revised guidelines, the signboards will also list the phone numbers of at least 20 local essential services, including hospitals, police stations, petrol pumps, auto repair shops and EV charging stations. These signs will be erected at approved sites, such as rest areas, truck lay-bys, toll plazas, and roadside facilities.
The revised rules also specify standards for design, material, and size, with a mandated readability lifespan of at least 10 years. In case of damage or fading, the board must be replaced within 30 days.
The new guidelines stem from a review initiated after amendments in December 2024, following public feedback on earlier discrepancies.
