Question : FUNDS FOR HIGHWAY PROJECTS

(a) whether the Prime Minister`s Committee on infrastructure has given approval for an investment of Rs. 1,70,000 crores for highways project as reported in the Financial Express dated January, 14, 2005;

(b) whether the Government has accepted expenditure of Rs. 1,70,000 crores for the development of the National Highways during the next seven years;

(c) if so, the plan for generation of required funds;

(d) whether the specific projects to be undertaken, year-wise, have been identified and worked out;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) if not, the time schedule for working this out?

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

(a) and (b): A presentation was made by the Planning Commission before the Committee on Infrastructure for the proposed programme for upgradation of National Highways in next seven years (2005-2012) at a proposed cost of Rs. 1,72,000 crore (including Rs. 77,000 crore from Private Participation). The Committee observed that feasibility of the programme needed to be examined in the light of funding constraints.

(c) to (f) The programme is in proposal stage. It is too early to give the details.