The Central government has issued new guidelines on the safety and traffic management for workers and commuters at construction sites. As per the new rules, efficient security officers of the construction company and the government will be appointed.

Not only this, no construction work can be started without a certificate for the implementation of effective and adequate security measures.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued guidelines to the state governments including Central agencies on 16 March.

A senior official said that the Model Contract Agreement (MCA) already has rules for safety of workers-employees and road passengers at construction sites. Despite this, 11 types of serious accidents have been reported at various construction sites across the country. In view of this, the government has implemented new strict guidelines regarding safety and traffic management during road construction on national highways.

The official said that in the new rule, skilled security officers will be appointed at the construction sites on behalf of the construction company. Skilled security officers will be posted at the said site in a team of more or less Assistant Engineers (AE) of the Ministry.

This will follow industry standards. The company will construct temporary diversion (asphalted road) at the construction sites at its own cost for the convenience of the road users. So that the traffic remains free from obstruction. This system will be implemented separately for vehicles engaged in construction work. The speed of vehicles will be restricted at such places. Similarly, security measures will be implemented for the road tunnel project and the bridge project.

The official said that the assistant engineer and project director (PD) of the department will issue certificates after checking the safety and traffic management measures at the construction sites. Even after this, road construction can be started. Third-party will check its proof. Apart from this, CCTV cameras will be installed at big construction sites. Officers will do video recordings from time to time. The construction company contractor will check the testimonials, videography, etc. at the time of passing the bill. Apart from imposing fines, payment can also be stopped if there is a mistake.