Question : NH Projects in Odisha

(a) the details of National Highway (NH) projects completed in Odisha during the last three years and the current year;

(b) the details of NH projects along with estimated cost sanctioned for the said State during the said period along with present status thereof;

(c) the details of NH projects which are proposed and pending for approval for the said State;

(d) the time frame set for completion of the pending NH projects;

(e) the hindrances being faced to complete the NH projects in the State within the time limit along with the action taken in this regard; and

(f) the action taken against the agencies which have failed to complete the projects within the stipulated time-frame?

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) Twenty projects for development of various National Highways having an aggregate length of 1131.70 Kms have been completed in the State of Odisha during last three years and the current year.

(b) The details of NH projects in Odisha along with sanctioned cost during the said period along with present status thereof is attached as Annexure.
(c) & (d) Proposals for development and maintenance of National Highways are considered based on their merit, inter-se- priority and availability of funds.
(e) The hindrances being faced is mainly due to delays in acquisition of land, obtaining approval for forest diversion, tree felling, environment clearances, eviction of encroachments, shifting of utilities, etc. Regular coordination meetings are being held with the concerned authorities of Central/State Govt. to sort out the issues.
(f) The defaulting concessionaires/contractors are being penalized by imposing penalties as per provisions of contract agreements wherever the delay is attributable to the agency.