Question : Construction of NH-544

(a) whether the Government has taken into note that the construction of NH 544 which started in 2009 has been in standstill for a long time and if so, the reasons therefor;

(b) the major reasons for abruptly bolting the ongoing widening activities and construction of tunnel in Kuthiron in Thrissur district in Kerala on this National Highway;

(c) whether the Government will seek a status report from the National Highway Authority of India regarding the progress of the work and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government will take any suo moto action against the private contract company who had made commitment to complete the work within three years but the same is going on for the last ten years and if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government is planning to blacklist this company for this lapse and undue delay and if so, the details thereof; and

(f) whether the Government can give any assurance for the completion of the construction and widening activities on NH-544 and if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) to (c) The work on NH 544 in the State of Kerala has been completed except in the stretch from Vadakanchery to Thrissur. The civil work in the stretch from Vadakanchery to Thrissur was started in September, 2012. The project was delayed on account of non-availability of land and financial crisis faced by the concessionaire. As far as Kuthiron tunnel is concerned, the same has been constructed except for minor works in tunnel tube on one side and approaches due to non-availability of land and delay in Forest & Wild life Clearance. The project has been stopped since May, 2018.The project has been declared as NPA by the Bankers/Lending Agencies. The efforts to infuse funds required for completion of the project have been initiated by the Concessionaire.

(d)& (e) At present, 83% physical progress has been achieved in the project. The efforts to infuse funds required for completion of the project have been initiated by the Concessionaire.

(f) The work has been rescheduled for completion by May, 2020.

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