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The Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Thiru T. R. Baalu has said that the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways would take all the necessary steps for repair and restoration of flood-damaged National Highway sections in Bihar. He gave this assurance during two rounds of interaction with MPs from Bihar, yesterday.
Thiru Baalu said that as laid down in the NCMP, the Government is fully committed to development of road infrastructure in the country as studies show that an investment of one rupee in road infrastructure results in a return of seven rupees. “The fact that Bihar was the first State I visited after taking over as Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways conveys our seriousness and commitment to development of National Highway network in Bihar”, Thiru Baalu conveyed to the delegation of Bihar MPs. During the Meeting, the damage to National Highways in Bihar due to flood menace every year was discussed in detail and it was decided that many short and long term measures would be taken for solving the perennial problem.
Among the short term measures, it was decided that for immediate repair of worst flood affected corridors of National Highways in Bihar, repair of five identified stretches of NH 31, 77, 84, 85, 104 and 107 would be undertaken. For this, repair estimates of about Rs.20 crore would be sanctioned. Bihar PWD would furnish the repair estimates on immediate basis and they would be promptly sanctioned. These repairs would be undertaken on war footing, to be completed by June end. Before and after video photography would be done during these repair works for closer monitoring.
As long term measure, and towards implementation of 4-laning of previously announced 890 km of National Highways in Bihar, the poor response from entrepreneurs/firms was discussed in detail to explore other alternatives. It was decided that the Chief Secretary, Bihar would hold a seminar soon with contractors etc. so as to encourage firms to work in Bihar. The possibility of taking up of Patna-Hajipur-Muzaffarpur stretch of NHs 19, 77 and Patna-Fatuha-Bakhtiarpur sections of NH 30 on BOT basis would be further examined, failing which they would be considered to be taken up on annuity basis.
Other stretches out of the identified 890 km would also be further explored to be taken up on BOT or annuity basis, failing which they would be considered for improvement to 2-lanes with paved shoulder. It was also agreed that Bihar Government would acquire and provide the land for 4-laning at their cost and the Central Government would provide funding for construction of 2-lanes with paved shoulder by NHAI. The State would also take the responsibility of maintaining these improved NH stretches.
NSD/BS
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