Question : VIABILITY GAP FUNDING

(a) whether some companies have given premium over the bid amount for many projects instead of taking aid in the form of viability gap funding;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the amount collected from the companies as premium;

(c) the names of the projects on which the premium has been given by the companies;

(d) whether some contractors/private developers have started toll collection even without completing these projects;

(e) if so, the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard; and

(f) the action taken against the contractor/developers who frequently enhanced the toll charges?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) to (c) Yes Madam. Details of amount collected from companies for projects awarded on negative grant/premium are enclosed as Annex.

(d) No Madam. For the 6 laning projects under NHDP Phase V, widening is being carried out from existing 4-lane to 6-lane. For such projects, as per concession agreement, the concessionaire is allowed to charge user fee as per National Highways fee (Determination of rates and collection) Rule 2008 against the existing facilities from the appointed date till completion of concession period and no extra burden is being imposed on the users.

(e) & (f) Do not arise.