NEW DELHI, Feb 21:
Raising concerns over low allocation of funds for National Highways during the 12th Five Year Plan at Rs 1.42 lakh crore, members of a Parliamentary panel have said this could impact crucial road projects.
“Some members have expressed serious concern over low allocation of funds to centre sector roads in 12th Plan leading to dropping of important programmes like development of road connectivity for about 50 ports and 24 airports,” a source said after a meeting of consultative committee of MPs attached to Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
The other programmes which have been dropped by the MoRTH include special package for development of State roads in Jammu & Kashmir of strategic importance, development of roads in scheduled areas under Tribal Subplan, development of Expressways and phase II of special programme for improving roads in Left Wing Extremism affected areas, sources said.
Members voiced their concerns over dropping of some new schemes too by the MoRTH due to curtailment in funds, sources said. The meeting was chaired by the Road Transport and Highways Minister C P Joshi.
The Planning Commission has allocated Rs 1.42 lakh crore for the 12th Plan for Central Sector Roads against a projected requirement of Rs 2.64 lakh crore, sources said.
The MoRTH took up the matter with the Ministry of Finance and Planning Commission to enhance the total outlay for the Plan but the proposal was turned down by the Commission in view of overall fund constraints.
The members during the meeting reviewed National Highway Interconnectivity Improvement Programme(NHIIP) under proposed World Bank loan assistance, private sector investment for development of Non-NHDP National Highways ,4-laning projects and maintenance of balance 17,500 Kms of highways not covered under any of the above. (PTI)
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