Question : REFORM IN ROAD SECTOR

(a) whether the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has drawn the attention of the Government to the dire need for reforms in the road sector;

(b) if so, the details of areas for reforms suggested by the Confederation of Indian Industry;

(c) whether the Government are of the view that the highway network in the country is in dire need of attention in terms of maintenance, connectivity and quantity;

(d) if so, whether the Government propose to make a comprehensive review of the current status of the plan for highway upgradation; and

(e) if so, the details of the steps to be taken by the Government in this regard?

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

(a) &(b) Yes, Sir. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) have suggested certain changes in the Model Concession Agreement for Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) projects as well as policies of the Government with regard to private sector participation in development and maintenance of National Highways.

(c) Yes, Sir.

(d) & (e) The Government has already taken number of steps to enhance allocation of funds for development and maintenance of National Highways and to encourage private sector participation in this task. However, development and maintenance of National Highways is a continuous process. Works for development and maintenance of National Highways are taken up based on the traffic needs, their inter-se priority and subject to overall availability of funds.