Question : CONSTRUCTION OF NATIONAL HIGHWAYS IN ASSAM



(a) whether the Government have contemplated to sanction and construct some new National Highways in the backward are tribal areas of Assam with a view to improve the road connectivity in the said areas and also to improve the riding quality and standard of the existing National Highways e.g. NH 31(C), NH 31, NH 52 and NH 37 etc;

(b) if so, the steps taken in this regard so far;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Government have contemplated to provide adequate amount to Central Fund from the Non-Lapsable Central Pool Resources to renovate existing link roads connecting Into-Bhutan borders on the northern bank of the river Brahmaputra;

(e) if so, the steps taken in this regard so far;

(f) if not, the reasons therefor;

(g) whether the Government have provided the required amount of Central Fund regularly to the State Government of Assam over the recent past five years for the improvement and maintenance of all the National Highways of State;

(h) if so, the amount given so far, year-wise;

(i) if not, the reasons therefor;

(j) whether the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been entrusted with the responsibility of constructing some roads and bridges with the help of Central Fund in the backward and tribal areas of Assam, as announced by the Prime Minister;

(k) if so, the Quantum of money received by the BRO so far and the details about the standard and quality of the construction works; and

(l) if not, the reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS ( SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK )

(a) to (c): Presently, declaration of new National Highways is not being considered due to paucity of funds. National Highway 31C and National Highway 31 (partially) are included in the East-West Corridor project for their development to 4-lane standards. The improvement of riding quality of the remaining portion of NH 31, 37 and 52 etc. is in progress.

(d) Non-Lapsable Fund for North-Eastern Region is not managed by this Ministry.

(e) & (f): Does not arise.

(g) & (h): The details of allocation of funds to the Government of Assam in the last 5 years for the development and maintenance of National Highways are given below:-

	(Rs.in lakhs)
Year Development Maintenance & Repair
1998-99 3384.90 3297.93 1999-2000 6496.32 3677.46 2000-2001 9233.00 3131.03 2001-2002 14262.19 4284.97 2002-2003 15737.00 5896.00



(i) Does not arise.
(j) Yes Sir.


(k) BRO is executing the works as per the standard specification and quality as laid down. So far an amount of Rs.41.53 crore has been released to BRO under this programme.

(l) Does not arise.