Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has approved two major decisions to strengthen and improve the state’s road network, with a focus on enhancing connectivity in rural and remote areas and ensuring long-term road quality.

Announcing the decisions, state spokesperson and minister Jitu Vaghani said the government has sanctioned ₹3,400 crore for the resurfacing of non-plan roads connecting villages across the state.

As part of the initiative, over 5,700 km of non-plan roads will be resurfaced, covering 2,342 works across all 33 districts. The move is expected to cover nearly 67% of such roads and significantly improve connectivity in remote and interior regions, making travel safer, faster, and more convenient. Roads completing eight years will also be included in the next phase.

In a parallel reform, the state has introduced a new road maintenance model to ensure durability and quality. The government has decided to adopt Output and Performance-Based Contracts (OPRC) and Performance-Based Maintenance Contracts (PBMC).

Under the new system, projects worth over ₹25 crore will be executed under OPRC, with a 10-year contract period, including two years of construction and eight years of maintenance. Projects costing between ₹2 crore and ₹25 crore will be undertaken under PBMC, with a seven-year contract period comprising one year of resurfacing and six years of maintenance.

As per the government, under these models, contractors will be paid based on the quality and performance of roads rather than the quantity of work. Maintenance responsibilities will include road surfaces, shoulders, drainage, signage, markings, and related infrastructure.

The government said the shift to scientific and preventive maintenance will extend the lifespan of roads, reduce the need for frequent repairs, and lower long-term lifecycle costs. Digital monitoring and performance indicators are also expected to enhance transparency and accountability.

The decision is also expected to reduce road accidents by ensuring pothole-free roads and proper signage.

It is worth mentioning that this decision will also apply to works for which tenders have not yet been released, so that citizens can benefit from this modern system.

The government said the initiative will not only strengthen infrastructure but also contribute to public safety and support the vision of a “Developed Gujarat”. DeshGujarat