(a) whether a World Bank survey has revealed that crores of rupees could be saved every year by developing National Highways and interlinking major cities;
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto; and
(c) the total km. of roads brought under National Highways and National Highways Development Programme in the country so far?
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (MAJOR GENERAL (RETD.) B.C. KHANDURI)
(a) to (c) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 209 FOR ANSWER ON 29.7.2002 ASKED BY SHRI T.M. SELVAGANAPATHI REGARDING NATIONAL HIGHWAYS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. World Bank`s assessment indicates a potential saving of nearly Rs. 8000 crores per annum after 4-laning of Golden Quadrilateral. The Government is expediting the development of National Highways in order to derive these benefits.
(c) At present, a total length of 58112 km has been brought under National Highways. The total length of roads under National Highways Development Project is 13,186 km (approx.).