Question : CONSTRUCTION OF RAIL OVERBRIDGE

(a) whether the National Highways Authority of India has been assigned the work to construct Rail Overbridges in various States including Bihar at Dighi-Akara stretch of the Hazipur to Muzaffarpur road;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise and project-wise during each of the last three years and the current year;

(c) whether the construction work on the said Rail Overbridges has been delayed;

(d) if so, the details thereof, State-wise and project-wise during the said period;

(e) the details of the action plan and the time by which the work on these rail overbridges is likely to be commenced/completed; and

(f) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) to (f) The details are enclosed at Annex I. As the ROBs are part of various 4/6 lanning projects, the delay in completion of these projects has resulted in delays in ROBs as well. The reasons for delays are land acquisition and utility shifting problems, delayed clearances from Railways, Environment, Forest Departments and poor performance of contractors. Steps have been taken to avoid these delays by close monitoring and coordination. Officers at the level of Chief General Managers in NHAI have been posted in various Regions in the country for closer monitoring, coordination and supervision. Special cells have been created for land acquisition. State Governments have been requested to set up committee under Chief Secretary to resolve interdepartmental issues. The projects are also monitored by the Ministry.