Question : CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS IN NER

(a) whether the Government has any mechanism for monitoring the progress of various road projects being funded through the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) and by the North Eastern Council (NEC) in the North- Eastern Region (NER) and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has taken any steps for facilitating expeditious implementation of such projects for providing all weather road connectivity to villages in the NER and if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the details of the steps taken/being taken for ensuring high standards of quality in the construction of such roads?

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region [General V.K. Singh (Retd.)]

(a) to (c) A Statement is laid on the Table of the Lok Sabha.

Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (c) of Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 415 for answer on 06.08.2014.

(a) The schemes of road projects sanctioned under the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) schemes are implemented by the respective State Public Works Departments. The projects are periodically monitored by the nodal officers of the State and through field inspections made by the officers of the Ministry and Independent Quality Monitors. The Ministry regularly monitors the projects through Quarterly Project Reports and review meetings. Similarly, North Eastern Council (NEC) also holds review meetings periodically to review physical and financial progress of the road projects. The technical staff of Transport Sector in NEC and their evaluation and monitoring officers monitor the NEC funded projects.

(b) and (c) The aspects of all weather road connectivity to villages in NER and the quality of construction of such roads are taken care of by the respective State governments through their technical experts while prioritizing such projects and preparing their detailed project reports (DPRs). The quality of the construction of roads is also monitored periodically through Independent Quality Monitors (IQMs) and the officers of the Technical Wing of the Ministry. The roads being constructed by NEC funding undergo regular test check in the field by different technical functionaries to ensure their quality.