Question : Construction of Roads

(a) the details of the progress of the construction of the roads in kilometers in the country for the last four years, year-wise and State-wise and district-wise;

(b) whether the Government has set any target for construction of roads in the country and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the said target is achieved by the Union Government in completing the construction of roads and if so, the details thereof;

(d) the funds allocated for the construction of the road projects, year-wise and project-wise;

(e) whether some State Governments have delayed the land acquisition process, if so, the details thereof including the details of the protests/objections thereto;

(f) whether there are possibilities of cost overrun in projects those are running late; and

(g) whether the trees surrounding the highways are taken care of during construction?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

(a) to (d) The State-wise & Year-wise details of the National Highways (NHs) length constructed during the last four year is enclosed at Annexure-I. Ministry has set the target for construction of 10000 km for the financial year 2018-19 and 5759 km has been achieved as on 30th Nov in 2018-19. The State /UT-wise details of funds allocated for development of NHs during each of the last four years and current year is given in Annexure-II.

(e) No Madam. However, land acquisition is a long drawn process involving various stages such as notification under 3(a), 3(A) and 3(D) under NH Act. 1956. After notification under 3(A), objections are invited from the land owners and after disposing of the objections, the final notification under 3(D) is issued. Compensation is decided by the Competent Authority (Land Acquisition) and if anyone is aggrieved with the quantum of compensation amount, then there is a provision to approach the arbitrator to resolve the matter. No separate data for protests/objections is kept.

(f) Cost overrun is applicable only to EPC/item rate contracts. In such contracts, there is a provision for payment of escalation due to delay if it is not attributable to Contractor. In case the project is delayed due to reasons attributable to the Contractor, liquidated damages are to be imposed and no escalation is payable. Actual escalation due to delay or cost overrun is known only after completion of the project and final settlement of bills.

(g) Yes Madam.