Question : Slow Progress in National Highway Projects

(a) whether work of widening of 4/6 lane of National Highway projects are in a very slow progress in the country and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether almost in all States a number of National Highways are lying half done/stopped at number of places which are causing untold sufferings to the public and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the reason for not following the timeframe of work and specifications by the awardees for completion of such projects; and

(d) the steps taken to complete the said projects within specified time period?

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) to (d) Sir, there are 117 nos. of NH projects having total length of 9113 Km (completed length 6498 Km), which are delayed due to multiple reasons, such as poor performance of contractor, utility shifting, delay in environment/forest clearance, land acquisition, cash flow problem of the concessionaire/contractor and law & order problems etc.

The following steps have been taken by NHAI/Government to expedite the process:

• Streamlining of land acquisition

• Disputes Resolution mechanism revamped

• Award of projects after adequate preparation in terms of land acquisition, clearances etc. Process of obtaining clearances from different Ministries/Departments commence as soon as the alignment is finalized and final feasibility report is submitted.

• Correctly worked out utility estimates is to be obtained at the earliest after the alignment finalization and shall form part of appraisal proposal.

• The process of project appraisal should commence at the earliest on receipt of the Final Detailed Project Report (DPR) and Technical schedules.

• ROBs : The procedure for GAD approved by Railways for ROBs simplified and made online. Maintenance charges which were hampering the progress of many projects stand waived by railways. Standard design put on website.

• Close coordination with other Ministries and State Governments

• One time fund infusion

• Completion of major portion of land acquisition prior to initiation of bid.

• Regular review at various levels.

• Proposed exit for Equity Investors

• Securitization of road sector loans

• Rationalize compensation for delays attributed to authority

• Notification of Guiding Principles for Resolution of Stuck Projects aiming at foreclosure of projects which are stuck on account of the concessionaire/contractor in NCLT or mutual default of both Authority and Contractor/Concessionaire.

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