ROAD TRANSPORT

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.

Amendment in Central Motor Vehicles Rules

Vide notification Number G.S.R. 111 (E) dated 10 February 2004, comprehensive rules relating to agricultural tractors have been notified and emission standards for on-road vehicles tightened. The noise standards have also been harmonized with Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.

An Act to give statutory status to the existing Central Road Fund governed by the Resolution of Parliament passed in 1988, for development and maintenance of national highways and improvement of safety at railway crossings, and for these purposes to levy and collect by way of cess, a duty of excise and duty of customs on motor spirit commonly known as petrol, high speed diesel oil and for other matters connected therewith. This Act was erstwhile known as CRF Act, 2000 which has been amended to CRIF Act, 2000 with enactment of the Finance Act, 2000.

Related Rules

• CRF Rules, 2014- Repealed w.e.f. 31.03.2018

Up to 31 March 2004, NHAI had tentatively identified a length of 1679 km for 4-laning under the NHDP Phase-III in the region.

As on 31 March 2004, 233 Plan works on various NHs (excluding works with the BRO) were in progress. In addition, under the CRF, 143 works costing Rs 255.71 crore were in progress for the improvement of state roads.

State-wise details of works under different schemes of the Department during 2003-2004 in the region are given below:-

As on 31 March 2004, the length of National Highways stood at 65569 km. A state-wise list of National Highways passing through the States is given in Appendix–C. For development and maintenance, these have been entrusted to Border Roads Organisation (BRO), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and State PWDs as per details given in Appendix- D.

DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

The Revised Estimates for 2003-04 were as under :

NH(O) = National Highway Original Works

PBFF = Permanent Bridge Fee Fund

Appendix-E gives state-wise revised allocation under different schemes on the development and maintenance of National Highways during 2003-04.

During the year, NHAI incurred an expenditure of Rs.9800.00 crore on various projects entrusted to it (including the Externally Aided Projects).

ROADS OF INTER-STATE CONNECTIVITY AND ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

Proposals for roads/bridges projects costing nearly Rs.111 crores were given in principle approval during the year as against an amount of Rs.100 crores earmarked for the purpose.

CENTRAL ROAD FUNDA total of 704 works for the development of State roads costing Rs. 1296 crore were sanctioned during the year.

EAST-WEST CORRIDOR PROJECT

Four laning of Porbandar to Deesa section (506.60 km) of East-West Corridor in Gujarat has been taken up with external assistance at an estimated amount of Rs. 2573.50 crores out of which ADB is financing Rs. 1587 crores (US$ 320 million) as a part of loan for the year 2002. The contracts for civil works are to be awarded shortly.

NAINI BRIDGE PROJECT

The work was awarded in July 2000 under loan agreement with the Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC). Work on the project commenced in October 2000 and a physical progress of 91.50% had been achieved up to 31 March 2004.

The details about the number of government servants is given in Appendix-F

RECORD CELL

An Act to give statutory status to the existing Central Road Fund governed by the Resolution of Parliament passed in 1988, for development and maintenance of national highways and improvement of safety at railway crossings, and for these purposes to levy and collect by way of cess, a duty of excise and duty of customs on motor spirit commonly known as petrol, high speed diesel oil and for other matters connected therewith. This Act was erstwhile known as CRF Act, 2000 which has been amended to CRIF Act, 2000 with enactment of the Finance Act, 2000.