Question : CONSTRUCTION OF NH UNDER GQ

(a) the various steps taken by the Government to ease heavy traffic on National Highway-5 during the last three years;

(b) the amenities provided by the Government on NH-5 for commuters;

(c) whether the stretches of Balasore-Bhadrak (OR-III), Bhubaneswar- Khurda (OR-I) and Ganjam-Ichhapuram (OR-VIII) and Sunakhala- Ganjam (OR-VII) passing through the State of Orissa in the NH-5 portions of the Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) is being constructed since long and it has not been completed;

(d) if so, the specific reasons for the delay in execution and completion in view of its importance in providing direct connectivity in the coastal regions of the country from South to North; and

(e) the action taken by the Government to expedite its completion?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI R.P.N.SINGH)

(a): Four laning of 1448 km of National Highway-5 (new NH No. 16) from Balasore, in Orissa to Chennai, in Tamilnadu has been considered under Golden Quadrilateral Programme. Out of 1448 km, 4-laning in 1407 km has been completed and 41 km is under implementation in three different contract packages in Orissa. Besides, to provide relief to the heavy traffic load on four lane stretches, six laning of 42 km in Tamilnadu (Chennai-Tada section), 265 km in Andhra Pradesh (Nallore-Vijayawada section) and 67 km in Orissa (Bhubaneswar- Chandikhole section) has been taken up under NHDP-V programme.

The Balasore- Jharphokharia section of NH-5 (new NH No. 18), has been identified for four laning under NHDP-IV. The work is at project preparation stage.

(b): All along NH-5 (new NH No.16) forming part of Golden Quadrilateral Programme the facilities of ambulance, highway patrolling vehicle and crane for towing break down vehicles have been provided. In addition, between Tada to Nellore section in Andhra Pradesh the facility of emergency telephone system and two numbers of rest area have been provided.

(c) & (d): Four laning of Bhubaneswar-Khurda (OR-I) in the State of Orissa has already been completed. Due to persistent non performance of the original contractors, the contract for the Balasore-Bhadrak section (OR-III), Sunakhala-Ganjam section (OR-VII) and Ganjam- Ichhapuram section (OR-VIII) were terminated and the balance works were awarded in November, 2008, October, 2009 and July, 2006 respectively. The work of Ganjam-Ichhapuram section (OR-VIII) is delayed as the District Administration discontinued renewal of blasting licence from December, 2008. Subsequently the District Administration seized and sealed crushing plant on 23-7-2010. The seizure was revoked on 05-10-2009 as per directive of Hon’ble High Court. Lease for quarry of Palluru hills was expired on 31-07-2009 thereafter the licence are renewed by the District Administration from time to time for short period.

(e): A State Level Committee Chaired by Chief Secretary, Government of Orissa has been constituted on 06-11-2009 to expedite/resolve inter departmental issues. Secretaries of the different Departments of Government of Orissa are the Member. Regional Officer of the National Highways Authority of India is the Member Convener of the Committee.