(a) whether the Government/NHAI engages private companies for maintenance and repair work of the National Highways;
(b) if so, the details and reasons thereof along with the criteria laid down for engaging of the private companies;
(c) whether the Government has reviewed the functioning of these private companies, if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the steps being taken to ensure that the work entrusted to these companies is completed in the given time-frame?
THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)
(a) to (d): Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 186 ANSWERED ON 10TH MARCH, 2016 ASKED BY SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV AND SHRIMATI SAKUNTALA LAGURI REGARDING PRIVATE COMPANIES FOR MAINTENANCE OF NHS.
(a) Yes, Madam.
(b) The maintenance and repair of road is carried out to keep the stretch in traffic worthy condition and ensure safe and smooth flow of traffic.
The maintenance and repair of road is being done by NHAI through OMT (Operation, maintenance & transfer) concessionaire for longer period (preferably upto 9 years) and through O&M (Operation & maintenance) contractor for shorter period (upto 2 years). The bids for OMT and O&M contracts is invited based on standard bid document for Operation and Maintenance of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
For OMT projects, the Bidder is selected on the basis of the highest concession fee quoted for 1st year of concession period.
In transition period between the completion of original work and start of OMT contracts, O&M contractors are being engaged by NHAI for maintenance of roads.
The details of O & M projects awarded by NHAI is enclosed at Annexure-A.
The details of OMT projects awarded by NHAI is enclosed at Annexure-B.
(c) Functioning of private companies are being reviewed regularly by Project Director/ Regional Offices of NHAI and also by NHAI Head quarter level.
(d) The progress of work is being monitored regularly by NHAI by inspecting the project site by PD/I.E/Consultant for ensuring timely completion of OMT project as per concession agreement. Damages are levied for delay in completion of works as per provision of Contract.