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• The national highways in the state meant for smooth flow of traffic have become synonymous with frequent jams and accidents thanks to the ongoing tussle between public works department (PWD) and the ministry of road transport and highways over the maintenance of these highways. The PWD has been pursuing the case of the pathetic condition of Agra-Bikaner (NH 11) and Kota-Jaipur (NH 12) highways besides others in the state with the national highway authority of India (NHAI) officials. However, they claim that nothing substantial has been done on this front."We have requested the government of India and NHAI officials many times for proper maintenance of highways in the state. We have written to the secretary of the concerned department and our minister too had a meeting with the union road and transport minister on this issue. Following our effort, some improvements have been made, but more needs to be done on this front," said O P Saini, principal secretary, public works department.
• The department also cites the condition that contracts for the four to six laning of roads were given to NHAI with a clause of maintenance during and after the construction of these roads. Rajasthan roadways officials have also made repeated requests to NHAI officials for the refurbishing of roads.But travelling on these highways has become a nightmare for commuters. The condition of the Kota-Jaipur stretch is in shambles and commuters have changed their regular routes. "When I take NH 12, I change my way from Tonk and come to Jaipur from Sawai Madhopur and Dausa. It is better to travel the 50-km extra stretch than getting stuck in jams for hours," said Vinay Mittal, a businessman from Kota.
• NHAI agrees that condition of some of the roads under its jurisdiction is not good but maintains its stand that work on these highways is going on and very soon it will be completed. "Delhi-Jaipur highway which extends to Kishangarh is model road for NHAI. During the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, it was appreciated by everyone. There was minor delay in repairing the damaged portions on the highway but still it was completed in the stipulated time," said an NHAI official.The official added, "For NH 11, repairing of bad patches will resume soon and work's already in progress on NH 12. There are few stretches that need repair. Highways in the state will soon get a facelift and will become like our model NH8."However, sources in the ministry claim that reason for clash between NHAI and PWD is more of a political and less of a public concern. "The NHAI has taken over major highways from the state PWD. This has not gone down well with the officials of the department," said a source.

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