Question : PROJECTS IN BIHAR

(a) the number of ongoing projects in Bihar and the details of works of widening, expansion and repair of roads that have started on National Highways last year;

(b) the details of the projects the cost of which have escalated due to their non-completion in time;

(c) the time by which works are likely to be completed on the above National Highways and by when the works are likely to be started in the remaining National Highways;

(d) the details of funds spent for the above works on these National Highways during the last three years; and

(e) the measures taken by the Government to speed up the projects in order to prevent cost escalation?

THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (MAJOR GENERAL (RETD.) B.C. KHANDURI)

(a) There are 64 numbers of on-going development projects in Bihar. 48 numbers of works of widening and expansion and 25 numbers of works of repair of roads have been started during last year.

(b) Nil as on date.

(c) Does not arise. The work on remaining stretches of National Highways will be taken up depending upon availability of funds and inter-se priority.

(d) Amount spent on development, maintenance and repair of National Highways in the State of Bihar during 2000-2001, 2001-2002 & 2002-2003 are Rs 215.74 crore, Rs 141.09 crore & Rs 209.52 crore respectively.

(e) Timely payment, frequent inspections and review meetings, are some of the measures adopted for expeditious completion of the projects.