Question : WEST COAST REGION UNTOUCHED BY NHDP

(a) whether west coast region remains untouched by the National Highways Development Project (NHDP);

(b) whether in view of the importance and the economic and tourist potential of the region including major portion of the mining industries and plantation and location of major ports, the Government propose to bring the west coast within the scope of the NHDP;

(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Kerala Government has submitted any proposal, particularly to extent the coverage of the Golden Quadrilateral;

(e) if so, the details of the proposal; and

(f) the reaction of the Government thereon?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SURFACE TRANSPORT (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)

(a) to (f) The National Highway Development Project (NHDP) consists of Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) connecting four metropolitan cities of Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai and Mumbai, North-South corridor connecting Srinagar to Kanyakumari along with Cochin-Salem spur, and East-West corridor connecting Silchar to Saurashtra. The alignment of the NHDP has been decided by Government keeping in view the traffic density, length of highways, areas and population to be served. NHDP alignment does not run along the west coast. However, Government has decided to provide connectivity to all major ports with the existing National Highway network/NHDP. Such connectivity, which will be provided in the form of four/six lane road in a length of approximately 1000 km, intends to serve the coastal region. Besides, all other National Highways including those on the west coast will also be developed subject to availability of funds.