Question : National Highway Projects

(a) whether there is a proposal to construct all weather road to connect Char Dham shrines and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the time schedule fixed for completion of the project and time by which the construction will be started on this project;

(c) the number of National Highway Projects approved by the Government since May, 2014, State-wise;

(d) the number of National Highway Projects for which the construction work have been started in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018;

(e) the number of National Highway Projects completed during 2015, 2016 and 2017, State-wise; and

(f) the efforts made by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to speed up award and construction of highways and the length of highway projects bidden by December, 2018?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

(a) Yes, Madam.

(b) Out of a total 53 separate and independent projects under this program, 37 projects in total length. of 633 km has been sanctioned, which include 28 projects in total length of 508 km at implementation stage. The original target date of completion of the program was March 2020. However, the program has been delayed due to litigation related to forest and environment clearance in various Hon’ble courts and the exact date of completion of the program depends upon final outcome of the same.

(c) & (d) The number of National Highway Projects approved and are under implementation in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 are at Annexure-I.

(e) The number of National Highway Projects completed during 2015, 2016 and 2017 State-wise / scheme wise at Annexure-II.

(f) To expedite completion of NHs projects various steps are taken which include streamlining of land acquisition & environment clearances, premium re-scheduling, close coordination with other Ministries, revamping of dispute resolution mechanism, frequent reviews at various levels etc. In order to ensure timely completion of the projects, regular meetings are held with project developers, State Governments and contractors at all levels.