Year at a Glance
Bharat Stage-II norms were extended to Lucknow and Sholapur from 1 June 2004.
During the year 2003-04, a total of 30,015 drivers were imparted training under the scheme of refresher training to heavy vehicle drivers in the unorganized sector.
ROAD DEVELOPMENT
The National Highways Development Project (NHDP) is progressing generally as per schedule. All works on Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) have been awarded. The GQ, which was scheduled for completion by March 2005, is likely to be completed by December 2005. However, its substantial completion ( over 90%) is likely to be achieved by December 2004. The balance lengths of the North-South & East-West corridors, port connectivity and other important stretches are scheduled for completion by December 2007.
During 2003-04, a total of 713 works to the tune of Rs 1628.00 crore including Improvement of Riding Quality Programme (IRQP) works were sanctioned. Out of other ongoing works relating to roads and bridges, 510 works were completed, 481 km of single lane roads widened to two-lanes, 540 km strengthened and 105 rehabilitation / construction of bridges projects completed.
A total of 37 Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) toll based projects valued at about Rs 4968 crore were planned in the year, with a view to encourage private sector participation in road development. Of these, 20 projects have been completed, work on 10 projects is in progress and the remaining 7 projects are in different stages of award of contracts etc. Further, 9 projects to the tune of about Rs. 1871 crore have been funded through the SPV route while 8 projects to the tune of about Rs.2354 crores have been funded through annuity. Work on them is under way. A list of BOT/Annuity/ SPV funded projects is given in Appendix-A.
National Highway Development Project Phase - III (NHDP Phase-III)
A list of Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) projects in progress / bids invited for award under the NHDP Phase-III, is given in Appendix-B. Further, BOT bid documents are being prepared for projects aggregating to 928 km where Detailed Project Reports (DPR) have been completed. Bids for award of consultancy services for preparation of DPR have been received for another 1510 km length of projects.