Question : INCREASING THICKNESS OF N.Hs

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(a) whether the present thickness of National Highways of Maharashtra and Rajasthan is too less in comparison to the norms specified by the IRC standards;

(b) if so, the action taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) the funds sanctioned for the purpose;

(d) whether the Government has allocated the necessary funds required for the periodic maintenance and repair of National Highways in Rajasthan;

(e) if so, the estimated cost likely to be incurred thereon; and

(f) the time by which the funds would be released?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS(SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)

(a) Some stretches of National Highways particularly newly declared National Highways are deficient in thickness to cater to the present day traffic.

(b) Development of National Highways is a continuous activity and strengthening is being done in a phased manner depending upon availability of funds.

(c) Funds allocated for the state of Maharashtra and Rajasthan for Development of National Highways during 2005-06 are Rs. 93.00 crore & Rs. 70.00 crore respectively for the National Highway entrusted with the State Government. Some of the National Highway stretches are developed by National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for which funds are released project wise and not state wise.

(d) to (f) Total allocation for the state of Rajasthan under Periodical Renewal in the financial year 2005- 2006 is Rs.30.70 crore. 24 numbers of works amounting to Rs. 28.76 crore in 322 km. length has been sanctioned in the year 2005-06 and the works are in progress. Funds are released according to progress of the works. In addition, some of the stretches of National Highways in Rajasthan are maintained by NHAI, for which Rs. 14.52 crore have been released so far during the current year.