Question : PORT CONNECTIVITY

(a) whether the Government/National Highways Authority of India are implementing various road projects for providing connectivity with the major ports;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(c) the original and revised completion schedules and the time and cost overruns and reasons for the delay for each project;

(d) whether the Government has terminated/proposes to terminate contracts and also re-tender some port connectivity projects, including in Kerala and Tamil Nadu;

(e) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and

(f) the details of the funds earmarked and utilised during each of the last three years and the current year, project-wise?

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI KAMAL NATH)

(a) to (c): Yes Madam. State-wise details of major Port Connectivity projects being implemented by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are enclosed at Annex I. Reply to parts (d) to (f) is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (d) to (f) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.161 FOR ANSWER ON 09-03-2010 ASKED BY SHRI K.P. DHANAPALAN AND SHRI D.B. CHANDRE GOWDA REGARDING PORT CONNECTIVITY

(d) & (e): Yes Madam. Details of major Port Connectivity contracts terminated and re- awarded and proposed to be re-awarded are enclosed as Annex II.

(f) Funds are not earmarked project-wise by NHAI. Expenditure on projects is met out of overall funds available with NHAI. Details of expenditure on each of the port connectivity projects during the last three years and current year are enclosed as Annex III.