Question : DELAY IN ROAD PROJECTS

(a) the details of National Highways constructed against the target fixed for construction of National Highways during the current and the details along with the work pending and projects lagging behind, State-wise;

(b) the details of contractors found guilty for delay in construction of road projects and the penalty levied on each of them;

(c) whether the Ministry has requested for additional funds to the Central Government;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereon; and

(e) the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to tackle the problems faced on construction of National Highway Projects and timely achieving the target on construction of these projects?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

(a) Against the target of 6300 km for construction under various schemes of the Ministry during the current year, 3038 km have been constructed till 31st January, 2015. State-wise details of number of ongoing and delayed projects are enclosed as Annexure-I.

(b) The details of contractors found guilty for delay in construction of road projects and the penalty levied on each of them is enclosed as Annexure-II.

(c) & (d) Ministry has requested for additional funds to accelerate the progress of work to Ministry of Finance. The request was not considered by the Ministry of Finance.

(e) To expedite completion of projects various steps have been taken which include streamlining of land acquisition, streamlining of environment clearances, exit for equity investors, premium re-schedulement, securitization of road sector loans, close coordination with other Ministries, revamping of dispute resolution mechanism, frequent reviews at various levels etc.