(a) whether several National Highway projects are pending in West Bengal;
(b) if so, the details thereof, including the enhancement of lanes on existing roads;
(c) whether these projects are taking more time than expected;
(d) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government for early completion of these projects?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)
(a) to (e): Five projects under implementation by National Highways Authority of India
(NHAI) in West Bengal have been delayed. Out of these, two contracts had to be terminated
due to non performance of contractor. The other three have been delayed due to delay in
land acquisition, shifting of utility services etc. Out of the two terminated contracts,
one has been re-awarded and the other, which includes balance work of Roopnarayan Bridge
has been included in six laning of NH-6 under National Highways Development Project (NHDP)
Phase V.
A total of ten National Highway Projects under implementation by the Public Works
(Roads) Department of Government of West Bengal have exceeded the scheduled date of
completion as stipulated in the contract on account of various reasons such as poor
performance of the contractor, unprecedented rainfall, change in scope as per the site
requirement etc.
The progress of works is monitored through review meetings taken at various levels
as well as site inspections by the officials of Ministry and State Government/NHAI. Steps
for removal of bottlenecks in the way of progress are taken as per site requirement based
on engineering judgement, coordination and necessary pursuit with concerned department of
Central and State Government.