(a) whether the Government proposes to construct all-weather roads in the country particularly in Uttarakhand;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the estimated expenditure to be incurred on these projects and the steps taken to finance them;
(d) whether the Government proposes to construct all-weather roads in flood affected and wet-land areas also;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the details of locations identified for construction of all-weather roads in the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
[GEN. (DR.) V. K. SINGH (RETD.)]
(a) to (c) This Ministry is primarily responsible for development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs). The projects for development of NHs in the country including in Uttarakhand are taken up based on the design and guidelines for National Highways to make them all weather roads. Ministry has allocated funds amounting to Rs. 1,46,457.45 Cr for development of NHs during FY 2020-21 for States/ UTs in the country.
(d) to (f) The development of NHs is a continuous process including in areas affected due to flood and wet-land, depending on various factors like terrain, road condition, traffic ,inter-se priority and availability of funds . The design principles and guidelines are so framed to provide (i) the road section at least one meter above the highest flood level/water table. (ii) adequate surface and sub-surface drainage measure including camber on the top of the pavement and (iii)bituminous or concrete pavements as a top layer.
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