Chandigarh, April 18 (IANS) Owing to a shortage of bitumen and its rising prices amidst the war in the Middle East, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has approved the use of imported bitumen for six months to ensure that road construction and maintenance works are not affected.
The Chief Minister was chairing a review meeting of departments related to road construction and maintenance here on Saturday.
He reviewed the progress of road construction works undertaken during 2025-26, discussed targets for 2026-27, and issued directions to officials.
At the meeting, a detailed review was conducted of road-related works being carried out by departments, including the PWD (B&R), the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, the Haryana Urban Development Authority, and the Urban Local Bodies.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that while the price of bitumen was Rs 46,402 per metric ton on February 28, it rose sharply to Rs 76,152 per metric ton on April 1.
Additionally, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) has indicated that bitumen supply has been impacted by nearly 50 per cent. In such circumstances, the Central government has permitted the use of imported bitumen.
Acting on this, the Chief Minister has approved its use in Haryana for six months to ensure road construction and repair work continue uninterrupted, an official statement said.
The Chief Minister said well-maintained roads are essential for public convenience and directed all concerned departments to ensure prompt filling of potholes and to undertake repair works using patchwork machines across all districts.
He said that while the PWD (B&R) is already using such machines, other departments may coordinate with it to utilise them effectively.
He emphasised that inconvenience caused to the public by damaged roads will not be tolerated and directed all departments to submit monthly progress reports.
CM Saini further directed that all complaints regarding damaged roads received on the ‘Mhari Sadak’ mobile app be addressed with priority.
He instructed that in cases where maintenance responsibility lies with the construction agency, the companies concerned must be directed to carry out repair works at the earliest.
–IANS
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