(a) the details of works proposed for improving the Inland Waterways-3 in Kerala for the year 2004-05;
(b) whether all the proposed works have been completed;
(c) if not, the details of the amount allotted for the purpose that has got lapsed in this regard;
(d) whether the Government has received a proposal from the State Government for extension of National Waterways No.3 from Kollam to Kovalam;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the steps taken/proposed to be taken in this regard?
MINISTER OF SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI T.R. BAALU)
(a) Important works included annual fairway maintenance capital dredging, construction of terminals, back portion works, maintenance of lock and provision of 24 hours navigation aids.
(b)&(c) Except capital dredging, most of the proposed works have been completed. Against original budget provision of Rs. 13.7 crore, actual expenditure would be about Rs. 8.70 crore.
(d) (e) & (f) There is a proposal for extension of national waterway No.3 from Kollam to Kovalam. However, in view of the problems being faced in making the existing waterway fully operational, this has been kept in abeyance.