EGoM on Road Sector approves Highways Projects in North-East

The Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) on Road Sector has endorsed the proposal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for the four BOT (Annuity) Projects of Arunachal package for consideration by Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure (CCI). The decision was taken in its 3rd meeting held on Wednesday at New Delhi. The four Projects included 2 laning of Trans Arunachal Highway from Nichipu to Hoj (311 km); 2 laning of Trans Arunachal Highways from Potin to Pangin (407 km); Construction of a major bridge between Dhola and Sadiya in Assam along with connecting roads covering a total length of 25.8 km; and construction of 5 bridges across Debang valley system and a bridge at Alubarighat along connecting roads covering about 31 km. It will now be considered by CCI. The estimated total cost of these four projects is Rs. 500 crores.

The Committee headed by Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee also endorsed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ proposal for transferring of 22 roads of 1119 km length from Phase-B to Phase-A of SARDP-NE and to add 6 additional State Roads to Phase–A. The EGoM also approved the implementation of these 28 roads under Phase-A at an estimated cost of Rs. 6866 crores. It also approved adding one more road to Phase-B and to modify the scope of Phase-B to cover preparation of DPR for 35 roads of 3723 km length. This endorsement was done subject to the condition that the total expenditure on SARDP-NE during the 11th Plan would be kept within the outlay approved by the Planning Commission for this purpose.

The EGoM, however, deferred the proposal of the Ministry for the Review of the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. It was decided that the proposal will be first considered by the Committee of Secretaries and then will be brought for consideration of the EGOM again.

The First meeting of the EGoM was held on 7th December. The EGoM on Road sector has been set up by the Government to consider the financing plan for NHDP for 2010-11 onwards for further action, including such changes to the work plan as may become necessary. The EGoM will also consider and take decision on all issues where there is no unanimity in committees at the level of officers and which do not require approval of the Cabinet/CCI. It comprises of Finance Minister, Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Deputy Chairman Planning Commission.

RS: PM
(Release ID :57793)