(a) whether the Government has recently announced the fourth phase of the National Highway Development Project targeting the broadening of 20,000 kms. of existing National Highways;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the funds earmarked for the purpose;
(d) the details of work undertaken in third phase of National Highway Development Project, Highway-wise; and
(e) the funds earmarked for third phase and the funds actually utilized?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI K. H. MUNIYAPPA)
(a) to (c): The Planning commission made a presentation on the highway upgradation programme before the Committee on Infrastructure, set up by the Government. The presentation included widening of 20,000 km. of existing National Highways under National Highways Development Project Phase-IV at an estimated cost of Rs.25.000 crore.
(d) & (e): 4,000 km of National Highways are to be upgraded under National Highways Development Project (NHDP )Phase IIIA, on Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis by December 2009. The works under NHDP Phase IIIA are yet to be awarded. Rs, 1,400 crore have been earmarked for NHDP Phase IIIA for the year 2005-06.