Only 31 percent of 6300 km highways completed by October
India is seriously lagging behind when it comes to completing the National Highways as per the target set during financial years. Over 6,300 km of National Highways were targeted to be completed during the current fiscal. However, the dismal pace of progress can be gauged from the fact that only 31 percent of this target has been achieved by October end.
Host of Problems
The reason for this delay can be varied and range from delay in land acquisition to nod from environment ministry. Often land from public sector and private developers is acquired for building up national highways. However, considerable delays occur at times as various parties involved in the acquisition deal come up with new demands, some of which are unrealistic.
The other problem comes from Ministry of Environment and Forest which cites various environment laws while giving clearance to road construction projects. Highway projects were generally affected due to clearances due to forest, environment and wildlife clearance issues. Issues relating to railway over bridges also caused considerable delay in timely completion of these projects.
Issues as disputes with contractors, public agitation for more funds and inability of developers to come up with equity funds is another problem which led to delay in these projects.
The Current Scenario
During the year 2014-15, around 6,300 km of road was to be constructed by the ministry. However, the pace of development has been slow and only 1,984 km of road was only constructed until October 2014. This information was given by Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Pon Radhakrishnan to the Lok Sabha in a written reply.
Pon Radhakrishnan said that the progress of these projects in being reviewed and issues relating to slow progress of projects is being looked into. Measures will be taken in future to ensure that the road construction projects do not suffer due to constraints identified.
Rs 33, 220 crore was allotted for the 6,300 km of roads to be constructed. However, out of the entire amount allotted only 13,245 crore has been spent until 30th October.
Environment ministry officials, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Road construction projects, Union environment ministry, wildlife clearance issues
