(a) whether the Government had set up a panel to suggest measures to make National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) more efficient;
(b) if so, the details, thereof;
(c) whether the panel has submitted its report , if so, the recommendations of the Panel;
(d) if so , the time by which the action is likely to be taken on the report; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to make NHAI more efficient to achieve the target set?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)
(a) Yes, madam.
(b) A Committee was set up, under the Chairmanship of Shri R.C. Sinha, on Revamping of NHAI.
(c) The Committee has submitted its draft Report to the Ministry. The report broadly examines the present framework and issues faced by NHAI and to transform NHAI to a well-developed and competent institution for Planning, Management and Execution of National Highways. The main recommendations of the Panel pertain to:
(i) Empowering of NHAI, its Board and its Management.
(ii) Site Clearance(Land Acquisition, Environment & Forest approval, Utilities removal and Project preparation), Bringing States on Board for Highway Projects, Feasibility studies, Handing over of land on appointed date, Independent Engineer, Dispute resolution, Legal provisions for lenders and documentation, Funding the Roads Programme (involving innovative financing instruments) and revival of stalled projects.
(iii) NHAI’s Fund Management, its Operation & its Maintenance etc.
(d) &(e) The draft report is at present under examination and consideration in the Ministry in consultation with National Highways Authority of India(NHAI). Hence, a timeframe for taking action on the report cannot be specified at this juncture.
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