Question : Road Projects under CRIF

(a) the steps taken by the Government for development of roads under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) in the country including the State of Kerala;

(b) whether the Government has received any proposals for inclusion of projects under CRIF from the Government of Kerala during the Financial Year 2020-21;

(c) if so, the details and the present status thereof;

(d) whether the Government proposes to widen the stretch from Aroor to Thuravoor on National Highway-66 in continuation of the already sanctioned widening project from Kazhakoottam to Thuravoor; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS
(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) Development of State Roads in the country including the State of Kerala is taken up as per Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) Act 2000. This Ministry has finalized the criteria for allocation of funds for development of the State Roads in consultation with Ministry of Finance and circulated the same to all State Governments and Union Territories (UTs) in January, 2020. As per above criteria this Ministry approves the list of projects to be taken up under CRIF in consultation with State Governments/UTs. Thereafter, Technical Approval and Financial Sanction (TA&FS) of projects are to be administratively approved by State/UT Public Works Departments (PWDs), Road Construction Departments/Corporations, etc.

(b) & (c) The State Government of Kerala vide letter dated 14.12.2020 had submitted a list of 8 works costing Rs.115 Crore to be taken up under CRIF during the Financial Year 2020-21. Ministry vide letter dated 02.02.2021 has requested the State Government to modify the list of proposed works by incorporating recommendations from public representatives, considering geographical distribution, inter-se-priority and availably of funds which is awaited.

(d) & (e) Consultancy services for preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) for up-gradation of Aroor to Thuravoor stretch of National Highway 66 in Kerala is under finalisation by National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
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