Question : DAWKI BRIDGE ON NATIONAL HIGHWAY-40

(a) whether the condition of the National Highway 40 E a lifeline for trade and commerce with Bangladesh is deplorable;

(b) if so, steps proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) whether the Government has sanctioned the construction of the Dawki Bridge connecting Bangladesh on NH 40; and

(d) if so, the reasons for delay in starting the work and the steps taken by the Government to get this important project rolling?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) ( MAJOR GENERAL (RETD.) B.C. KHANDURI, AVSM )

(a) & (b) Extension of NH 40 (NH 40 E) had been entrusted to State PWD on 28.5.2001. The road requires improvement. Works amounting to Rs. 2.44 crore have been sanctioned for its improvement.

(c) Yes, Sir.

(d) Work could not be awarded due to non responsiveness of contractors to execute the work as per design.