Question : PROGRESS OF NATIONAL HIGHWAY PROJECTS

(a) the details of National Highways projects under construction in the country, state- wise;

(b) the details of length of roads targeted to be constructed under the Twelfth Five Year Plan on the National Highways;

(c) whether the government has reviewed the progress of National Highways projects in the recent past;

(d) if so, the details of the factors responsible for slow progress of various National Highway Projects in the country, state-wise; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to expedite the project work?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI KRISHANPAL GURJAR)

(a) The State-wise details of the National Highways projects under construction is Annexed.

(b) Under the Twelfth Five Year Plan, 14800 km of 2-laning, 9826 km of 4-laning , 5590 km of 6-laning and 8500 km of strengthening/improvement to riding quality is targeted to be constructed.

(c) Yes, Madam.

(d) & (e) The various National Highways projects in various States are affected due to land acquisition, utility shifting, environment/forest/wild life clearances, issues pertaining to ROBs/RUBs with Ministry of Railways, slow progress by the contractor/ concessionaire, inability of developers to generate equity funds, non availability of soil/aggregates, public agitation for additional facilities, arbitration/contractual disputes with contractors etc. The progress of the projects has been reviewed to sort out the issues related to slow progress and inadequate funds and steps are taken for exit for equity investors, premium re-scheduling, securitization of road sector loans, mutual termination /cancellation of awarded road projects and re-bidding, close coordination with other ministries and revamping of dispute resolution mechanism etc.