Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 2:54PM by PIB Delhi

The Government has prioritized the maintenance of existing National Highway (NH) network and inter-alia evolved a mechanism to ensure Maintenance and Repair (M&R) of all NHs sections through accountable maintenance agency.

The M&R of stretches of NHs, where development works have commenced or Operation, Maintenance and Transfer (OMT) Concessions/ Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Contracts have been awarded, are the responsibility of the concerned Concessionaires/ Contractors till the end of the Defect Liability Period (DLP)/ the Concession Period. Similarly, for NHs stretches

undertaken under TOT (Toll Operate and Transfer) and InvIT (Infrastructure Investment Trust), M&R responsibility lies with concerned Concessionaire till the end of the Concession Period.

For all remaining sections of NHs stretches, Government has taken a policy decision to undertake maintenance works through Performance Based Maintenance Contract (PBMC) or Short Term Maintenance Contract (STMC).

In order to strengthen the enforcement of traffic rules for ensuring traffic management in the country, the Government brings amendments in the Motor Vehicles Act from time to time. In accordance with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, Government had also published rules in August 2021 for Electronic Monitoring and Enforcement of Road Safety at high-risk and high-density corridors on National Highways, State Highways and at critical junctions in cities having a population of more than one million and cities under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in the country. Enforcement of these rules comes under the purview of the State / Union Territory (UT) Governments.

Additionally, the Government has taken up installation of Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) in Four lane and above NHs. ATMS has provisions for various electronic enforcement devices which help in speedy identification of incidents (including traffic violations) on the highway stretches and effectively monitor the highways, thereby improving incident response time and road safety.

All development works on NHs, including NHs in Hilly and Remote areas, are generally planned as All Weather Roads only. Works on NHs are taken up based on the traffic density, condition of the road, inter-se priority and synergy with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP). At present, 1,310 NHs projects in 31,187 km length costing ₹8.11 Lakh Crore are under construction in the country.

For ensuring all-weather connectivity and effective traffic management on NHs in remote / hilly areas, weather / landslide warning & information systems are provided for guidance of traffic apart from tunnels and viaducts particularly in high altitude areas for seamless traffic movement.

The Government has issued standardized parameters for investigating hill slope stability & selecting cost-effective long-term stabilization measures for landslide-prone areas in hilly regions.

Further, sustainable bio-engineering measures such as coir/jute mat hydroseeding, interlinked chain mesh with green strips, bamboo piling by stepped berms and erosion control with Vetivar grass plantation on jute matting etc. have been implemented by the Government for stabilizing hilly and landslide prone areas, thereby enhancing safety on NHs in such areas. Construction of tunnel is also explored as an option in case the above solutions are not found feasible.

Steps taken by the Government to enhance traffic management have been elaborated in reply to Part (a).

Road safety engineering measures / works on NHs, including rectification of blackspots, are undertaken mainly as part of scope of development / maintenance works on NHs or as standalone projects in certain cases. Out of total 13,795 black spots identified on the NHs up to 2021-22, short-term rectification measures have been completed on 11,515 black spots and permanent rectification measures have been completed on 5,036 black spots. Further, Government has formulated a multi-pronged strategy to address the issue of road safety based on Education, Engineering (both of roads and vehicles), Enforcement and Emergency Care. Details of various initiatives taken to address road safety issues are at Annexure.

User-fee at user fee plaza is collected for the use of section of National Highway as per the provisions of National Highways Fee Rules applicable for the respective category of vehicles uniformly across the country.

This reply was given by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written statement to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha.

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GDH/HR

(Release ID: 2115684) Visitor Counter : 107

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 2:53PM by PIB Delhi

The Government has prioritized the maintenance of existing National Highway (NH) network, including service roads, and inter-alia evolved a mechanism to ensure Maintenance and Repair (M&R) of all NHs sections through accountable maintenance agency.

The M&R of stretches of NHs, where development works have commenced or Operation, Maintenance and Transfer (OMT) Concessions/ Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Contracts have been awarded, are the responsibility of the concerned Concessionaires/ Contractors till the end of the Defect Liability Period (DLP)/ the Concession Period. Similarly, for NHs stretches undertaken under TOT (Toll Operate and Transfer) and InvIT (Infrastructure Investment Trust), M&R responsibility lies with concerned Concessionaire till the end of the Concession Period.

For all remaining sections of NHs stretches, Government has taken a policy decision to undertake maintenance works through Performance Based Maintenance Contract (PBMC) or Short-Term Maintenance Contract (STMC). 

Repair of identified defects / issues in the road condition, including potholes, as well as other maintenance / repair works are completed by the Contractor / Concessionaire within the stipulated timeline as per provisions of the Contract. Compliance is ensured through regular field reports and penalty provisions incorporated in the Contract documents for action against defaulting Contractor / Concessionaire.

Service roads for NHs are generally provided at urban / semi-urban locations, where local traffic is substantial, to segregate the local traffic, including non-motorized vehicles, from fast moving traffic on the NHs. Service roads are also provided below the elevated sections and flyovers / grade separators / Vehicular Under Passes (VUPs) for facilitating turning movements.

Details of length of service roads constructed and under construction in the States of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, including rural and underserved regions in such States, are as under:

 

 

Government undertakes road markings with thermoplastic paint and retro reflective signages for better visibility at night, in accordance with Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines. Pedestrian safety is enhanced through the footpaths, foot over bridges and crossings in service lane designs.

 

Contractor / Concessionaire is responsible for maintenance of the NHs sections, including the service roads, during the DLP / Concession period. Contractors engaged for maintenance of the NHs sections, particularly for STMC / PBMC works, ensure that all facilities including the above are properly maintained.

 

Further, app-based monitoring through National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) One / Tatpar App facilitates highway project management by Field officers / Engineers / Contractors / Concessionaires directly from onsite, through digital reporting of daily and monthly defects, submission of geo-tagged and time-stamped photos for inspections and digital uploading of test results.

 

Service roads for NHs are constructed within the Right of Way (ROW) of NH. Land Acquisition for construction of NHs including service roads is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the NH Act, 1956.

 

Construction of service roads for NHs is taken up by the Government, in coordination with State and Local authorities, as part of scope of development projects on NHs, from time to time

based on traffic density, roadside development / settlement abutting the Project Highway, congestion, accessibility for local traffic, etc.

 

This reply was given by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written statement to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha.

 

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GDH/HR

(Release ID: 2115683) Visitor Counter : 103

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 2:52PM by PIB Delhi

The Government has prioritized the maintenance of existing National Highway (NH) network and inter-alia evolved a mechanism to ensure Maintenance and Repair (M&R) of all NHs sections through accountable maintenance agency. 

NHs projects are executed on mainly three modes, i.e., (i) Build Operate and Transfer (BOT), (ii) Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) and (iii) Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC). Concession period for projects including maintenance on Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) is 15 to 20 years and on Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) is generally 15 years. Concessionaire is responsible for maintenance of the respective NHs stretches within the concession period of the project. Only in case of EPC projects, Defect Liability period (DLP) is 5 years for the bituminous pavement works and 10 years for concrete pavement works.

For Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) and InvIT projects, concession period including maintenance is for 20 to 30 years. Concession period for Projects on Operate, Maintain and Transfer (OMT) is generally 9 years.

For all remaining sections of NHs stretches where DLP period has ended or is not under any concession period of BOT/HAM/TOT/InvIT project, Government has taken a policy decision to undertake maintenance works through Performance Based Maintenance Contract (PBMC) or Short Term Maintenance Contract (STMC). While STMC works are generally undertaken for a contract period of 1-2 year, PBMC works are undertaken for a contract period of about 5-7 years. During the current Financial Year 2024-25, Government has approved STMC works in 17,884 km length costing Rs.2,842 Crore and PBMC works in 6,118 km length costing Rs.6,757 Crore.

Repair of identified defects / issues in the road condition as well as other maintenance / repair works are completed by the Contractor / Concessionaire within the stipulated timeline as per provisions of the Contract. Compliance is ensured through regular field reports and penalty provisions incorporated in the Contract documents for action against defaulting Contractor / Concessionaire.

Government encourages the adoption of innovative technologies or methods to enhance the durability and reduce the maintenance requirements of NHs (depending upon factors like rainfall, terrain type, soil category, etc.). Such technologies or methods include stabilization of subgrade, geosynthetic reinforced layer(s) in sub-base / base, concrete roads / white topping, perpetual pavement, High performance bituminous mixes, modified bitumen / bituminous mixes, Fiber Reinforced Concrete, Cement Grouted Bituminous Mixes, etc. Automated and Intelligent Machine-Aided Construction has been adopted which ensures cloud-based maintenance records and quality work.

Road condition assessment is carried out through Network Survey Vehicle (NSV) for the NHs stretches before start of work, before issue of completion certificate and thereafter at regular intervals of six months after completion of the work, thereby enabling quality assessment of NHs at regular intervals for (i) ensuring the maintenance during Concession period / DLP and (ii) prioritizing maintenance requirements to maintain NHs in traffic worthy condition.

Further, app-based monitoring through National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) One / Tatpar App facilitates, highway project management by Field officers / Engineers / Contractors / Concessionaires directly from onsite, through digital reporting of daily and monthly defects, submission of geo-tagged and time-stamped photos for inspections and digital uploading of test results.

This reply was given by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written statement to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha.

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GDH/HR

(Release ID: 2115681) Visitor Counter : 102

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 2:33PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paid tributes to Shree Shree Harichand Thakur on his Jayanti today. Hailing Shree Thakur’s work to uplift the marginalised and promote equality, compassion and justice, Shri Modi conveyed his best wishes to the Matua Dharma Maha Mela 2025.

In a post on X, he wrote:

“Tributes to Shree Shree Harichand Thakur on his Jayanti. He lives on in the hearts of countless people thanks to his emphasis on service and spirituality. He devoted his life to uplifting the marginalised and promoting equality, compassion and justice. I will never forget my visits to Thakurnagar in West Bengal and Orakandi in Bangladesh, where I paid homage to him.

My best wishes for the #MatuaDharmaMahaMela2025, which will showcase the glorious Matua community culture. Our Government has undertaken many initiatives for the Matua community’s welfare and we will keep working tirelessly for their wellbeing in the times to come. Joy Haribol!

@aimms_org”

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2115676) Visitor Counter : 192

Source: Government of India

WAFX Seminar Series Kicks Off to Prepare India’s Next Generation of VFX Artists

India’s Top VFX Talent to Compete in WAFX 2025; Zonal Finals in Four Cities, Grand Finale at WAVES Mumbai

Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 2:10PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 27^th March 2025

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with Aptech Limited and ABAI, has launched WAFX Seminar Series, an initiative aimed at preparing and inspiring participants for the prestigious WAVES VFX Competition (WAFX). The series is a key step under Create in India Season 1, the government’s effort to boost India’s creative economy and nurture the next generation of VFX talent.

The WAFX Seminar Series will be bringing top industry professionals to educate and mentor aspiring VFX artists. These seminars aim to provide valuable insights into industry trends, advanced VFX techniques, and career growth opportunities, helping participants prepare for the competition while understanding the evolving landscape of the VFX industry.

The first seminar, held at Aptech Mumbai, featured Jateen Thakkar, a renowned VFX Supervisor known for his work on Poacher, Leo, and Bhediya. In another session, MAAC hosted a webinar by Jay Mehta, VFX Supervisor at Scanline VFX, which was live-streamed across India. He shared an exclusive window into the world of VFX.

As a build-up to WAVES 2025, the WAFX Zonal Finals will take place across four major cities – Chandigarh, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata in mid-April 2025. The top talents from these rounds will advance to the Grand Finale at WAVES 2025, set to take place at Jio World Centre, Mumbai, from May 1st to 4th, 2025. The WAFX Zonal Finals will be a platform where participants from the All India Online VFX Contest will compete live before an esteemed jury. Winners will gain industry recognition, prizes, and studio internships with leading VFX firms, enhancing their career prospects.

For more details on WAFX, upcoming seminars, and zonal contests, visit: https://wafx.abai.avgc.in/

For further details or media queries contact: Aptech Ltd; Srinidhi Iyer (Corporate Communications) ; Email: srinidhi.iyer@aptech.ac.in  

About WAVES

The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

Have questions? Find answers here  

Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Dhanlakshmi/ Dinesh | 80

Follow us on social media:  @PIBMumbai     /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com   /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

(Release ID: 2115661) Visitor Counter : 79

Source: Government of India

Union Health Ministry Releases National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management

Launches National Capacity Building Programme on Oxygen Management in collaboration with AIIMS, New Delhi

Union Health Secretary emphasizes the critical role of properly maintaining and utilizing medical oxygen infrastructure so that demands for any surge capacities may be met promptly at time of any exigencies

Release of National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management marks a significant step toward strengthening the country’s medical oxygen infrastructure and ensuring uniform best practices in oxygen management across healthcare facilities

National Capacity Building Programme on Oxygen Management aims to train around 200 master trainers across the country

Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 1:25PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released the National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management at a workshop held at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, here today. The workshop also marked the launch of the National Capacity Building Programme on Oxygen Management, which will be led by Department of Hospital Administration at AIIMS, Delhi.

Speaking at the event, Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary emphasized the critical role of properly maintaining and utilizing medical oxygen infrastructure so that demands for any surge capacities may be met promptly at time of any exigencies. She also stressed on the need for inculcating learnings from India’s management of COVID-19 pandemic.

Prof. M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS highlighted the institute’s role in spearheading the capacity-building program and stressed the importance of training and awareness at all levels of healthcare.

The release of National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management marks a significant step toward strengthening the country’s medical oxygen infrastructure and ensuring uniform best practices in oxygen management across healthcare facilities. The comprehensive guidelines provide a framework for the efficient procurement, storage, and administration of medical oxygen, with a focus on patient safety, capacity building, and emergency preparedness.

The National Capacity Building Programme on Oxygen Management is an initiative led by the Disaster Management Cell of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with AIIMS, New Delhi. It aims to train around 200 master trainers across the country which in turn shall undertake capacity building of hospital administrators and medical officers across the country in proper handling and utilization of medical oxygen, reducing wastage and improving clinical outcomes.

The workshop was also attended by other senior officials of Ministry of Health, AIIMS and medical professionals and experts from across the country.

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MV

HFW/ Launch of Oxygen Management Guidelines/27 March 2025/1

(Release ID: 2115648) Visitor Counter : 350

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 1:02PM by PIB Delhi

 

The Union Government has released the second installment of the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants for rural local bodies in Tripura and Karnataka for the financial year 2024–25, strengthening local governance and driving rural transformation. In Tripura, the government has allocated Rs. 31.1259 crores in Untied Grants (2nd installment), benefiting 589 eligible Gram Panchayats, along with all Block Panchayats, District Panchayats, and Traditional Local Bodies. While for Karnataka, Rs. 404.9678 crores in Untied Grants (2nd installment) has been released for 5375 eligible Gram Panchayats, supporting rural local bodies across the state.

These grants empower Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) enabling them to address location-specific needs under the 29 subjects outlined in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution. These funds are utilized for development initiatives excluding salaries and establishment costs. The grants are divided into two categories:

• Untied Grants: These can be used for diverse community-specific needs and are aimed at enhancing local infrastructure and development projects.
• Tied Grants: Specifically allocated for the critical areas of sanitation (including the maintenance of Open Defecation Free status, waste management, and fecal sludge management) and drinking water (including rainwater harvesting and water recycling).

The release of these funds is a significant move toward decentralizing resources and empowering local governments. Managed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of Jal Shakti, the XV Finance Commission Grants are designed to drive grassroots development, enhance local governance, and support initiatives tailored to the unique needs of rural communities.

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Aditi Agrawal

(Release ID: 2115635) Visitor Counter : 317

Source: Government of India

Sourcex India 2025 inaugurated at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi

FIEO hosts 3rd edition of Sourcex India to boost Indian exports

Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 12:24PM by PIB Delhi

The 3rd edition of Sourcex India 2025, organized by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) with support from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, was inaugurated on 26^th March, 2025 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi. The event was officially inaugurated by Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Government of India, Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi.

In his keynote address, DGFT, Shri Sarangi underscored the importance of Sourcex India in fostering a robust ecosystem for promoting India’s foreign trade, particularly exports. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to supporting sourcing from India through various incentive schemes and initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme. He highlighted that these efforts are aimed at enhancing manufacturing competitiveness, promoting the adoption of advanced technologies, and strengthening India’s position in global markets.

He further emphasized the role of digitization and ease of doing business in improving product quality and standardization, which are crucial for enhancing global acceptance of Indian goods. Additionally, he mentioned the Government’s ongoing efforts to explore new market access opportunities through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with key international partners to boost exports further.

Officiating President, FIEO, Shri Ashwani Kumar described Sourcex India 2025 as a landmark event that strengthens India’s position as a leading global supplier of high-quality products. He emphasized the importance of direct engagement between Indian exporters and international buyers, highlighting the event’s role in expanding India’s trade footprint worldwide.

With participation from over 150 global buyers across 45+ countries, including regions such as Africa, CIS, EU, LAC, NAFTA, NEA, Oceania, SA, SEA, and WANA, Sourcex India 2025 is a key platform for Indian exporters to engage with international markets. The event features participation from Indian companies across diverse sectors, including Food & Beverages, Health & Beauty, FMCG & FMCD, Apparel & Garments, Textiles & Home Decor, E-Commerce Services, and Logistics. Additionally, the event showcases the work of 10 National Award-winning artisans from across India, supported by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

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Abhishek Dayal/ Abhjith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

(Release ID: 2115619) Visitor Counter : 460

Source: Government of India

NHRC, India takes suo motu cognisance of the reported death of a nursing student following a suicide attempt amidst allegations of harassment by her hostel warden in Kasaragod District, Kerala

The victim remained in comma for three months

Notices issued to the Chief Secretary and State DGP calling for a report in the matter within four weeks

Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 3:24PM by PIB Delhi

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that on 22nd March, 2025, a third year Nursing student died after three months in coma, following a suicide attempt in the hostel room amidst allegations of harassment by the warden on in Kasaragod district of Kerala. The victim was initially admitted to a private hospital in Mangaluru before being shifted to Kozhikode Medical College where she remained in a critical condition till her death.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of the victim student. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Kerala calling for a report in the matter, within four weeks.

According to the media report, carried on 23rd March, 2025, the fellow students have reportedly accused the hostel management of harassment of the student at workplace. They have alleged that the deceased was subjected to mental harassment by the hostel warden even when she was not well.

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NSK

(Release ID: 2115714) Visitor Counter : 36

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah welcomes the decision of two more groups affiliated with the Hurriyat to discard separatism and repose their trust in the new Bharat built by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

Under the Modi government, separatism is breathing its last, and the triumph of unity is echoing across Kashmir

Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 3:21PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah welcomed the decision of two more groups affiliated with the Hurriyat Conference, namely J&K Tahreeqi Isteqlal and J&K Tahreek-I-Istiqamat, to discard separatism and repose their trust in the new Bharat built by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. In a post on X platform, Shri Amit Shah said under the Modi government, separatism is breathing its last, and the triumph of unity is echoing across Kashmir.

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RK / VV / RR / PS

(Release ID: 2115712) Visitor Counter : 46