Meet Gujarat IAS officer Arpit Sagar, who fined NHAI official over potholes on NH47

Time of India

4 days ago

IAS officer Arpit Sagar has recently garnered nationwide praise for taking firm action against poor road conditions in Gujarat. She made headlines after imposing a penalty on a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official due to the presence of potholes on National Highway 47 (NH47), connecting Ahmedabad to Godhra, as reported in NBT. Her bold move has not only earned public admiration but also set a new precedent for government accountability.
IAS Officer Takes Bold Action Against Potholes
Serving as the District Collector of Mahisagar, Gujarat, Arpit Sagar issued a fine to an NHAI officer after numerous complaints about pothole-ridden roads. The poor condition of NH47, a major route in the state, had long frustrated daily commuters and residents. Under the Mahisagar Road Safety Committee, Sagar imposed a daily fine of Rs 500 from 18 June to 7 July, holding the officer accountable until the potholes are properly filled.
This is the first time an IAS officer in Gujarat has taken such decisive action against the NHAI over potholes. Her actions are being lauded by citizens and officials alike, especially those who have long suffered due to bad roads and lack of maintenance.
Arpit Sagar's Move Comes Amid National Focus on Road Quality
Arpit Sagar's actions come at a time when the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, led by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, is already under scrutiny. Recently, the Project Director (PD) of Palanpur was suspended due to poor road conditions on the Jamnagar-Amritsar highway. The contractor responsible was also penalised. Sagar echoed similar strict measures, making it clear that the fine will continue to increase daily until the potholes are repaired.
Arpit Sagar's Journey: From Bareilly to Bureaucracy
Originally from Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, Arpit Sagar cleared the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2015, earning her place in the Indian Administrative Service. She completed her B.Tech degree from NIT Prayagraj, and later chose to pursue a career in civil services to contribute towards public service.
Before being appointed as Collector of Mahisagar district, she served in Vadodara as a Deputy Commissioner in the Municipal Corporation. She also held the post of District Development Officer (DDO) in Valsad and was later replaced by Neha Kumari in Mahisagar.
Award-Winning Officer Recognised for Development Work
In December last year, IAS officer Arpit Sagar received the Best District Development Officer (DDO) Award, a testament to her dedication and administrative excellence. During the same awards event, IAS Shalini Agarwal was recognised as the Best Collector. These accolades reflect the positive impact Arpit Sagar has had on governance and infrastructure development.
A Family of Achievers: IAS, IRS and Engineers
Arpit Sagar's family is nothing short of inspirational. Her father, Chandrasen, and mother, Meena Devi, raised five daughters, all of whom have achieved notable success. Her elder sister, Arjit Sagar, is an IRS officer. Alongside Arpit, Akriti Sagar is also an IAS officer, while the younger sisters Anshika and Ankita are accomplished graphics engineers.
In an emotional interview, her father said, 'I feel blessed that all my five daughters have reached such high positions. Our family is known for having IAS daughters, and that fills my heart with pride.'
Personal Life of Arpit Sagar
IAS officer Arpit Sagar is married to Vipul Tiwari, who is based in Chhattisgarh. Despite the distance, she manages both her personal and professional responsibilities with utmost dedication and efficiency.
Arpit Sagar, as an IAS officer, has demonstrated that firm leadership and accountability can make a real difference. Her brave decision to fine an NHAI officer for the worsening potholes on NH47 shows her commitment to public welfare and road safety. Citizens and fellow officers are celebrating her as a model administrator who is not afraid to take action when needed.
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