(a) the total number of trained highway engineers in the country;
(b) whether the present strength of highway engineers is sufficient
for timely completion of projects;
(c) if not, the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government
in this regard;
(d) whether the Government proposes to open more technical
institutions to train engineers; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI JITIN PRASADA)
(a) to (c) There is a shortage of trained highway engineers in the
highway profession including contracting and consulting industry. The
Government has set up the Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE)
[formerly known as National Institute for Training of the Highway Engineers
(NITHE)], Noida, which imparts trainings to fresh as well as in-service
highway engineers of the country. IAHE has been conducting training
programmes for such engineers including engineers from other developing
countries. There are also other Training Institutes in the public and
private sector imparting training to highway engineers. Highway Engineers
are also deputed for training abroad under various International Co-
operation Schemes for latest technical know-how in this Sector.
(d) and (e) This Ministry has no proposal for opening any technical
institutions to train engineers.