Question : Development of NHs in Karnataka

(a) the steps taken/being taken by the Government for development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs) in Karnataka during each of the last three years and the current year, NH-wise;

(b) whether the works taken up on NHs are completed as per the schedule, and if so, the details of the works completed/under progress/pending as on date, NH-wise;

(c) whether the Government has set up any mechanism for monitoring the work on NHs and if so, the details thereof;

(d) the number of NHs constructed or renovated in Karnataka by National Highways Authority of India during the said period;

(e) the other steps taken by the Government to improve the condition of NHs and roads in Karnataka; and

(f) the funds allocated and utilised on construction, maintenance and repair of NHs in Karnataka during the said period, year-wise?

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) & (b) The development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs) is a continuous process and works on NHs are accordingly taken up from time to time as per traffic density, inter-se priority and availability of funds to keep the NHs in traffic worthy conditions. The NH-wise details of development works taken up in the State of Karnataka during each of the last three years and the current year along with their present status are at Annexure-I.


(c) There is a well-established mechanism for monitoring/ testing of quality of construction/ development of work of NHs by engaging a Consultancy firm of repute as Supervision Consultant/ Independent Consultant/ Authority Engineer. They supervise/ monitor the quality of work as per procedures laid down in various codes published by Indian Roads Congress (IRC), manuals & Ministry’s specifications for Road and Bridge works, etc. The routine inspections are also done by Engineers on regular basis to assess quality of construction and maintenance of road.

(d) The details are at Annexure-I

(e) This Ministry is primarily responsible for development and maintenance of NHs. The other steps taken by the Ministry to improve the condition of NHs in Karnataka includes regular meetings are held with project developers, State Governments and contractors for timely completion of the projects. To expedite completion of these projects various steps are also taken which include streamlining of land acquisitions & environment clearances, premium re-scheduling, close coordination with other Ministers, revamping of dispute resolution mechanism, frequent reviews at various levels etc. Apart from this Committee of Infrastructure headed by Hon’ble Minister also meets regularly in order to resolve various issues including Forest/ Environment Clearance issues.

(f) The details of funds allocated and utilized on construction, maintenance and repair of NHs in Karnataka during the last three years and current year are at Annexure-II.