Question : ROAD CONNECTIVITY TO MINOR PORTS

(a) whether the Government has proposed to undertake a special package for development of road connectivity for minor ports in the 12th Five Year Plan;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise including Odisha and the present status of this project;

(c) whether the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has received proposals for providing road connectivity to minor ports;

(d) if so, the details thereof, State-wise along with the action taken thereon; and

(e) the time-frame fixed for completion of the said project?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI SARVEY SATHYANARAYANA)

(a) This Ministry had proposed a special package for development of road connectivity for about 50 minor ports in the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17). However, the scheme has been dropped from the 12th Five Year Plan due to paucity of funds.

(b) Does not arise.

(c) Yes Madam.

(d) and (e) NHAI had received request for development of road connectivity to minor ports (Astranga, Baliharachandi, Gopalpur, Dhamara, Chudamani and Subarnarekha) in the State of Odisha. State Government of Odisha, subsequently informed that Feasibility /DPR studies will be prepared by the port developers themselves. Also, NHAI had engaged consultant for preparing the feasibility cum DPR work for development of road connectivity to Dighi & Jaygard Ports in the State of Maharashtra. It was later understood that the provision of road development work is in the purview of port developers as per MOU of Maharashtra Maritime Board with the concessionaires of Dighi and Jaygad ports. Accordingly, NHAI did not proceed with the DPR work.