New Delhi, March 26 -- The reactive nature of maintenance budgeting of highways, the inability to effectively utilise research and development funds, and slow progress in key areas such as port connectivity projects under Bharatmala were among the many concerns flagged by the department-related parliamentary standing report submitted in Parliament on Wednesday. The report also flagged delays in port connectivity projects under Bharatmala, noting that only 45% of such roads have been completed, undermining the objectives of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. It recommended the creation of a joint port connectivity mission with the ministry of ports, led by a nodal officer to coordinate land acquisition and expedite coastal regulation zo...