Question : WORLD BANK AIDED PROJECTS

(a) the State-wise/UT-wise details of projects which are getting assistance/aid from the World Bank for construction/improvement and repairing of roads/National Highways, including Karnataka;

(b) whether some of these projects are running behind their schedule;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(d) the details of the cost escalations of these projects alongwith their present status; and

(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to speed up the completion of the said Projects?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) to (c) This Ministry is primarily responsible for the development and maintenance of National Highways. Presently eight projects, funded by the World Bank are under implementation. NHAI had earlier completed 22 projects funded by World Bank. State wise details with reasons for delay of the projects under implementation are enclosed as Annex.

(d) Escalations due to delay are paid as per contract provisions. In fact the escalation is a contractually enabled provision which permits NHAI to limit its payment to material actually consumed, at prevailing prices when the material was consumed. In case the project is delayed due to reasons attributable to the contractor, liquidated damages are to be imposed and no escalation is paid. Escalations are paid only in case where the delay is beyond the control of the contractor.

(e) In order to expedite implementation of projects Regional Offices headed by Chief General Manager have been set up by NHAI. Land acquisition problems are being resolved and progress is being periodically reviewed at field offices and at Head Quarter.