Question : Delayed NH Projects

(a) the details of total budget estimates towards road/highway projects allocated by the Government during the last three years along with the utilization of funds and actual sanctioned funds;

(b) the number of projects of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) that are delayed along with the reasons for the delay State-wise;

(c) whether reasons like difficulties in land acquisition, forest clearance, local agitations and effective support from State Governments are major reasons for such delay;

(d) if so, the details thereof in each case, State-wise; and

(e) the steps being taken by the Government to expedite the completion of these projects?

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

(SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

(a) The State-wise/ Scheme-wise details of the funds allocated and expenditure occurred towards road/highway projects during the last three years are given at Annexure-I.

(b) to (e) The details of 102 delayed projects of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in all states are given at Annexure-II and these are delayed due to various reasons including delay in land acquisition, statutory clearances, ROB clearance, handing over of irrigation land, shifting of utilities, addition / deletion / relocation of various structures and financial crunches of the Concessionaire etc. In order to ensure timely completion of the projects, regular meetings are held with project developers, State Governments and contractors. Regular review meetings are held in Head Quarter by Ministry/ NHAI with Regional Officers, concessionaires /contractors to make the construction of projects hassle free. To expedite completion of these projects various steps are also taken which include streamlining of land acquisition & environment clearances, exit for equity investors, premium re-scheduling, close coordination with other Ministries, revamping of dispute resolution mechanism, frequent reviews at various levels etc.