(a) the details of road projects with cost exceeding Rs. 50 crores under implementation by National Highways Authority of India in the country;
(b) whether these projects are running behind schedule for more than six months and if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor;
(c) the time-frame set for completion of these projects, project-wise; and
(d) the steps taken by NHAI to expedite the work on these projects?
THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)
(a) At present, National Highways Authority of India is executing more than 400 road projects with cost exceeding Rs. 50 crores which comprises length of around 24,000 Km in the country.
(b) to (d) Some of the National Highway projects are running behind schedule due to multiple reasons, such as poor performance of contractor, utility shifting, delay in environment/forest clearance, land acquisition, cash flow problem of the concessionaire/contractor and law & order problems etc. The following steps have been taken by Government to expedite the process:
• Streamlining of land acquisition
• Disputes Resolution mechanism revamped
• Award of projects after adequate preparation in terms of land acquisition, clearances etc. Process of obtaining clearances from different Ministries/Department would commence as soon as the alignment is finalized and final feasibility report is submitted.
• Correctly worked out utility estimates is to be obtained at the earliest after the alignment finalization and shall form part of appraisal proposal.
• The process of project appraisal should commence at the earliest on receipt of the Final Detailed Project Report (DPR) and Technical schedules.
• ROBs (Rail Over Bridges): The procedure for GAD approved by Railways for ROBs simplified and made online. Maintenance charges which were hampering the progress of many projects stand waived by railways. Standard design put on website.
• Close coordination with other Ministries and State Governments.
• One time fund infusion.
• Completion of major portion of land acquisition prior to initiation of bid.
• Regular review at various levels.
• Proposed exit for Equity Investors.
• Securitization of road sector loans.
• Rationalize compensation for delays attributed to authority.
• Notification of Guiding Principles for Resolution of Stuck Projects aiming at foreclosure of projects which are stuck on account of the concessionaire/contractor in NCLT or mutual default of both Authority and Contractor/Concessionaire.
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