Question : FOUR LANING ON NH - 58

to the reply given to USQ No. 6351, dated 08.5.2000 and state:

(a) whether the work on National Highway-58 has since been completed;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor and the time by which the same will be completed;

(d) the duties and responsibilities of the Highway authorities and the extent to which those are being achieved;

(e) whether any proposals to create more highways and build more bridges in the States for speedy transportation of agricultural produce with special reference to Bihar; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

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

(a)&(b) Yes, Sir. The work for the construction of central verge in a length of 18.50 km on NH 58 at a cost of Rs. 130.78 lakhs stands completed.

(c) Does not arise.

(d) The primary responsibility of Highway Authorities is to ensure that development and maintenance works are carried out as per prescribed specifications with proper quality control and completed as per targets. While all out efforts are made to complete the works as per targets, nevertheless there are slippages in terms of time and cost over run in few cases.

(e)&(f) This Ministry is primarily responsible for the development and maintenance of National Highways. State roads are under the responsibility of the respective State Govts. Development of National Highways is a continuous process and is being carried out keeping in view the traffic needs, inter-se-priority and availability of funds. Annual Plan 2001-2002 for the development of National Highways in Bihar is for Rs. 83.50 crores including Rs.20. 00 crores for bridges.