Question : Six Laning of NH-48

(a) whether the Government is considering six laning of Wallajah-Poonamallee stretch of NH-48 a part of Delhi-Chennai via Bangalore, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is already collecting toll for six-lane for the above mentioned stretch, which remains only on paper, since mid-2013, if so, the details thereof;

(c) the total number of accidents in this stretch between Wallajah and Poonamallee during the last three years;

(d) whether the Puducherry to Krishnagiri Stretch of NH-66 is fully completed, if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) whether the Government has closed down all the liquor shops which are located within 500 meters along with the National Highways, if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

(a) & (b) The stretch of NH-48 (old NH-4) between Walajahpet and Poonamallee, was developed to four-lane under Golden Quadrilateral. The Concession Agreement on DBFOT basis for the work of six laning of Walajahpet - Poonamallee Section was also signed in June, 2012. The Concessionaire started collection of user fee from 01.06.2013 as per the provisions of Concession Agreement. However, due to non-achievement of milestones and other defaults on the part of the Concessionaire, Concession Agreement was terminated in July, 2016 and the project stretch, including collection of user-fee has been taken over by NHAI. As per the Fee Rules, user fee is collected for four-lane highway.

(c) The total number of accidents reported in Walajahpet – Poonamallee section of NH-4 during the period June 2014 to June 2017 is 1103.

(d) Four-laning work from Puducherry to Tindivanam has been completed in December 2011. The work for two-lane with paved shoulder of Tindivanam – Krishnagiri section of NH-66 was commenced in April, 2012 and about 63% work has been completed. However, the entire work has not been completed due to financial constraints of the Concessionaire. The matter has now been taken up with the lenders as per the provisions of the Concession Agreement.

(e) In the state of Tamilnadu, Sixty two number of liquor shops located along National highwayws (NHs) under the jurisdiction of State PWD (NH) have been closed/shifted. Moreover Liquor shops located along the NHs under jurisdiction of NHAI in the State of Tamil Nadu have also been closed.
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