Question : NH PROJECTS IN NORTH EAST

(a) the status of four-laning of east-west corridor in North-East, particularly in Assam;

(b) the details of by-passes and bridges constructed/proposed to be constructed in the region, location-wise;

(c) whether the whole of NH-37 and 52 in the region has been converted into two-lane under SARDP and are in traffic worthy conditions;

(d) if not, the steps taken in this regard;

(e) whether the Government proposes to extend the four-laning of NH upto the border of Bordumsa, Margherita and from Dibrugarh to Jairampur; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and time-frame fixed for the same?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)

(a) : The entire 678 km of National Highway (NH) length of east-west corridor in North-East lies in Assam. The four laning project has been awarded to various contractors, except 31 km and construction is in progress. Overall progress of the project is 7.3%.

(b): The information in respect of NHs is being collected from concerned agencies and will be laid on the Table of the House.

(c) & (d): The entire stretch of NH-37 is already 2-lane except for 8.92 km, which is less than 2-lane. 2-laning of the remaining portion of NH-37 is not included in SARDP-NE. Baihatacharli (km 0) to North Lakhimpur (km 345) section of NH 52 is already 2-lane and the portions from North Lakhimpur to Jonai (km 510) and Dirak (km 845 ) to Rupai (km 876) in Assam have been sanctioned under Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North East (SARDP-NE) for 2-lane with paved shoulders and target date of completion is March, 2009. Widening to 2-lane of Jonai –Dirak section of NH 52 in Arunachal Pradesh is included in Phase ‘B’ of SARDP-NE, which has been approved by Government for preparation of Detailed Project Reports only. NH-37 and NH-52 are maintained in traffic worthy condition within the availability of limited funds.

(e): No, Sir.

(f): Does not arise.