(a) whether the Planning Commission has proposed review of the target for construction of National
Highways in view of resource constraint;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
(c) the details of the constraints being faced in accelerating road construction including shortage
of manpower, resource crunch etc.; and
(d) the steps being taken to fast track the pace of road/highway development in the country?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)
(a) No, Madam.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) and (d) Since projects under National Highway Development Programme (NHDP) are being taken up
predominantly in Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) mode, the rate of construction depends on the
capacities and constraints affecting the road construction industry. The major constraints for the
shortfall in accelerating road construction are delays in acquisition of land (LA), obtaining
environment and forest clearances, shifting of utilities, poor performance by some contractors,
delay in award of projects due to inadequate response from the bidders, inability of developers
to raise necessary finance on account of economic slowdown, etc. In order to expedite implementation
of projects Regional Offices have been set up by National Highways Authority of India for close monitoring
of implementation of projects. Six Zonal Offices have also been created for coordination with State
Government on pre construction activities. Special land acquisition units have been set up to expedite
land acquisition for National Highway Development Programme projects. Projects are also periodically
reviewed.