(a) whether the Government propose to construct a bridge across Zia Bhorali river at Chowkighat on National Highway No. 52;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of amount allocated for the purpose during the current year;
(d) whether there is any proposal for conversion of National Highway No. 52 into double lane; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) ( MAJOR GENERAL (RETD.) B.C. KHANDURI, AVSM)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The consultant submitted the final Detailed Project Report (DPR) in December 1997 on the basis of approved span arrangement, feasible for the changed course of the river as it existed at that time. Subsequent to the submission of the report by the consultant, the active channel of the river again outflanked the proposed abutment locations of the bridge affecting the site conditions significantly which required review of the DPR. The consultant has suggested a model study for the project before preparing a fresh proposal. The model study is being carried out by the Central Water & Power Research Station, Pune. Findings of the model study will be taken into consideration before the DPR of the project can be finalized.
(c) A provision of Rs. 1.00 crore has been made in the Annual Plan 2000-01 for carrying out model study for the project.
(d)&(e) Yes, Sir. The stretch of NH 52 from Baihata Charali to North Lakhimpur (350 km) is already double-lane. The provision for double laning of another 10 km of the length between North Lakhimpur and Jonai is provided in the Annual Plan 2000-01. Double laning of the remaining length is proposed to be taken up in phased manner subject to availability of funds.