INFRASTRUCTURE FREN-nnZY
====================
▐ ★ 3000 km of greenfield expressways under Bharatmala▐
Seven 6- to 8-lane expressways will be built on new alignments as it is difficult to acquire land around existing highways. Greenfield projects save 40-60% on land and provide a more direct route. Nitin Gadkari says Delhi - Mumbai expressway will "cross backward areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maha, etc and will spur growth in these areas by bringing development and industry".
Land acquisition is the most problematic aspect. For example, TN govt is acquiring land for Chennai-Salem project, amidst protests. TN CM says, "90% of the land is with us. A few farmers belonging to other political parties are opposing us, along with those who have no intention to support any developmental projects. Land values have been hiked." Karnataka project is awaiting forestry clearance.
» Delhi-Vadodara » Ambala-Kathputli (Har)
» Chennai-Salem » Mangaluru-Chitradurga (Karn)
» Durg-Aurang (Chitts)
▐ Centrally funded expressways▐
----------------------------
Chennai-Salem expressway (Rs 10,000cr, 274 km) will take 4-5 years to complete. It will divert traffic from overloaded Chennai-Bengaluru & Chennai-Madurai National Highways. As it is access-controlled, it will bring faster connectivity to important towns like Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Thiruvannamalairovide and to industrial hubs and special economic zones.
https://swarajyamag.com/infrastructure/salem-chennai-green-expressway-corridor-myth-buster-here-is-all-you-have-to-know
Delhi-Mumbai expressway (Rs 100,000cr, 1200 km) will soon see actual construction started in 2 out of 4 sections. Contracts for Mumbai-Vadodara expressway (380km, Rs 44,000cr) have been awarded. Travel time will be 3 hours. Land acquisition for Delhi-Jaipur route (cost Rs 16,000cr, 195 km) has started. Construction should be completed in 15 months. Travel time will reduce from 6 hours to 2 hours!!
https://www.drivespark.com/off-beat/india-get-super-expressway-soon-connect-delhi-mumbai/articlecontent-pf85899-025365.html
Delhi-Meerut expressway (Rs 5,300cr, 82 km) will divert traffic not bound for Delhi, as will be contagious with Delhi ORR. Stretch from Nizamuddin bridge to UP border (14-lane 8.7km), was inaugurated in June 2018. NHAI is rushing to complete remaining 3 sections by March 2019. In one casework will be done in just 12 months. Remaining sections:
II Delhi-UP border to Dasna 19.28 km
III Dasna to Hapur 22.27 km
IV Hapur to Meerut 31.77 km
"D-M expressway will be adorned by vertical gardens along the Yamuna, lighting by solar panels, cycle track along the entire length, drip irrigation facility, wayside amenities, access-control traffic management system and approximately 40 vehicular underpasses".
https://steelguru.com/auto/centre-to-complete-remaining-part-of-delhi-meerut-expressway-by-march-2019-nhai/513922?type=infra
Chennai-Bengaluru expressway (265km) awaits land acquisition for new alignment, namely Bengaluru - Kolar - Palamaner - Chittoor - Kanchipuram - Sriperumbudur. 10% though is under tender at Rs 1120cr. Further, two contagious projects will come up on the Chennai side. Together they will form a 42km 6-lane elevated corridor to decongest NH-48 and give last-mile connectivity from Sriperumbudur to Chennai port. Chennai ORR to Sripurumbudur (13.7km, Rs 2150cr) is under tender; and Chennai Port-Maduravoyal elevated expressway (18.3km) is with DPR.
Delhi-Jind-Amritsar-Katra Expressway (572 km, approx Rs 60,000) would reduce travel by 150 km and serve as a new development corridor in Haryana. DPR will look at economic possibilities and suggest alignment. https://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/chandigarh/centre-nod-to-alignment-of--delhi-amritsar-katra-e-way.html
Other central expressways: Ahmedabad-Dholera and Kanpur-Lucknow.
▐ ★ UP's blueprint of 8 expressways expands the network to 1,500 km by 2021▐
UP govt has completed Yamuna (165 km) and Agra-Lucknow (302 km) e-ways and will start Purvanchal e-way (340 km, Rs 23,000cr) from Lucknow to Ghazipur in July 2018. This ensures fast connectivity across UP from Delhi to Lucknow to Eastern districts of UP. Also, environmental impact and final alignment studies are underway for 4-lane link expressways, namely Bundelkhand link (293 km), from Etawah to Jhansi; Prayag link (150 km), from Sultanpur to Allahabad and Gorakhpur link (89 km), from Azamgarh. Bundelkhand link joins Agra-Lucknow e-way at Etawah. Others will join the upcoming Purvanchal e-way. Besides Centre is funding Delhi-Meerut & Lucknow-Kanpur e-ways.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/uttar-pradesh-finalises-3-more-expressways-of-over-500-km-put-together/articleshow/63947722.cms
▐ Mission 300 - NH preponed to before LS elections▐
----------------------------
An intense review was done of 740 projects of NHAI & NHIDCL with all participants incl State ministries & concessionaires. It was agreed to bring forward completion date of 280 projects from June 2019 to March 2019. Another 100 projects should finish by end-2018. Construction target for 2018-19 was raised from 5000 to 6000km. Review of Maha & NE projects will be done later.
It identified that the main reasons for delays were land acquisition, utility shifting, clearances, cutting of trees, faulty DPRs and poor execution of contracts. Overcoming delays and expediting projects is done through regular reviews and monitoring, as well as problem-solving during state visits, eg. recent visits to UP, Uttarakhand, Bihar, MP, Jharkhand, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and TN. In cases of execution delays, site visits happen every 10 days! Ministry has decided to audit performances of DPR consultants and contractors. It will reward good performances and blacklisting poor performers.
http://www.5dariyanews.com/news/232843-Ministry-of-Road-Transport-Highways-Identifies-300-Ongoing-National-Highways-Projects-to-be-Completed-by-March-2019
Govt has been reasonably successful in improving bank finance. Banks have pledged Rs 1.3 lakh cr for EPC road projects. Private banks will finance 20 PPP projects out of 56 projects from 2016-17. SBI on its own will lend Rs 25,000cr at 8% over 10yrs. Rs 35,000 cr could come from other banks. The retail sector is being exploited for Bharatmala projects. Foreign pension funds are good options for TOT sales.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/pvt-banks-come-forward-to-fund-highway-projects/articleshow/64847094.cms
▐ Easing land acquisition rule to speed up road construction▐
----------------------------
Govt has ratcheted up awards but road construction is not keeping pace -- eg. 300 projects of 11,000km will be finished this fiscal, but awards will be 25,000km. Currently, construction must wait until 80% of the land is acquired, but if land norms are reduced to 50%, then 23 road projects could start immediately. Bridges, flyovers and tunnels can also be expedited, saving valuable time. Land acquisition problems are mainly encountered in UP, Bihar & WB, and farmers are, in any case, easily persuaded by higher compensation on offer in the last 4 years.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/infrastructure/land-acquisition-rule-for-highways-may-be-eased/articleshow/65394882.cms
====================
▐ ★ 3000 km of greenfield expressways under Bharatmala▐
Seven 6- to 8-lane expressways will be built on new alignments as it is difficult to acquire land around existing highways. Greenfield projects save 40-60% on land and provide a more direct route. Nitin Gadkari says Delhi - Mumbai expressway will "cross backward areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maha, etc and will spur growth in these areas by bringing development and industry".
Land acquisition is the most problematic aspect. For example, TN govt is acquiring land for Chennai-Salem project, amidst protests. TN CM says, "90% of the land is with us. A few farmers belonging to other political parties are opposing us, along with those who have no intention to support any developmental projects. Land values have been hiked." Karnataka project is awaiting forestry clearance.
» Delhi-Vadodara » Ambala-Kathputli (Har)
» Chennai-Salem » Mangaluru-Chitradurga (Karn)
» Durg-Aurang (Chitts)
▐ Centrally funded expressways▐
Chennai-Salem expressway (Rs 10,000cr, 274 km) will take 4-5 years to complete. It will divert traffic from overloaded Chennai-Bengaluru & Chennai-Madurai National Highways. As it is access-controlled, it will bring faster connectivity to important towns like Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Thiruvannamalairovide and to industrial hubs and special economic zones.
https://swarajyamag.com/infrastructure/salem-chennai-green-expressway-corridor-myth-buster-here-is-all-you-have-to-know
Delhi-Mumbai expressway (Rs 100,000cr, 1200 km) will soon see actual construction started in 2 out of 4 sections. Contracts for Mumbai-Vadodara expressway (380km, Rs 44,000cr) have been awarded. Travel time will be 3 hours. Land acquisition for Delhi-Jaipur route (cost Rs 16,000cr, 195 km) has started. Construction should be completed in 15 months. Travel time will reduce from 6 hours to 2 hours!!
https://www.drivespark.com/off-beat/india-get-super-expressway-soon-connect-delhi-mumbai/articlecontent-pf85899-025365.html
Delhi-Meerut expressway (Rs 5,300cr, 82 km) will divert traffic not bound for Delhi, as will be contagious with Delhi ORR. Stretch from Nizamuddin bridge to UP border (14-lane 8.7km), was inaugurated in June 2018. NHAI is rushing to complete remaining 3 sections by March 2019. In one casework will be done in just 12 months. Remaining sections:
II Delhi-UP border to Dasna 19.28 km
III Dasna to Hapur 22.27 km
IV Hapur to Meerut 31.77 km
"D-M expressway will be adorned by vertical gardens along the Yamuna, lighting by solar panels, cycle track along the entire length, drip irrigation facility, wayside amenities, access-control traffic management system and approximately 40 vehicular underpasses".
https://steelguru.com/auto/centre-to-complete-remaining-part-of-delhi-meerut-expressway-by-march-2019-nhai/513922?type=infra
Chennai-Bengaluru expressway (265km) awaits land acquisition for new alignment, namely Bengaluru - Kolar - Palamaner - Chittoor - Kanchipuram - Sriperumbudur. 10% though is under tender at Rs 1120cr. Further, two contagious projects will come up on the Chennai side. Together they will form a 42km 6-lane elevated corridor to decongest NH-48 and give last-mile connectivity from Sriperumbudur to Chennai port. Chennai ORR to Sripurumbudur (13.7km, Rs 2150cr) is under tender; and Chennai Port-Maduravoyal elevated expressway (18.3km) is with DPR.
Delhi-Jind-Amritsar-Katra Expressway (572 km, approx Rs 60,000) would reduce travel by 150 km and serve as a new development corridor in Haryana. DPR will look at economic possibilities and suggest alignment. https://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/chandigarh/centre-nod-to-alignment-of--delhi-amritsar-katra-e-way.html
Other central expressways: Ahmedabad-Dholera and Kanpur-Lucknow.
▐ ★ UP's blueprint of 8 expressways expands the network to 1,500 km by 2021▐
UP govt has completed Yamuna (165 km) and Agra-Lucknow (302 km) e-ways and will start Purvanchal e-way (340 km, Rs 23,000cr) from Lucknow to Ghazipur in July 2018. This ensures fast connectivity across UP from Delhi to Lucknow to Eastern districts of UP. Also, environmental impact and final alignment studies are underway for 4-lane link expressways, namely Bundelkhand link (293 km), from Etawah to Jhansi; Prayag link (150 km), from Sultanpur to Allahabad and Gorakhpur link (89 km), from Azamgarh. Bundelkhand link joins Agra-Lucknow e-way at Etawah. Others will join the upcoming Purvanchal e-way. Besides Centre is funding Delhi-Meerut & Lucknow-Kanpur e-ways.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/uttar-pradesh-finalises-3-more-expressways-of-over-500-km-put-together/articleshow/63947722.cms
▐ Mission 300 - NH preponed to before LS elections▐
An intense review was done of 740 projects of NHAI & NHIDCL with all participants incl State ministries & concessionaires. It was agreed to bring forward completion date of 280 projects from June 2019 to March 2019. Another 100 projects should finish by end-2018. Construction target for 2018-19 was raised from 5000 to 6000km. Review of Maha & NE projects will be done later.
It identified that the main reasons for delays were land acquisition, utility shifting, clearances, cutting of trees, faulty DPRs and poor execution of contracts. Overcoming delays and expediting projects is done through regular reviews and monitoring, as well as problem-solving during state visits, eg. recent visits to UP, Uttarakhand, Bihar, MP, Jharkhand, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and TN. In cases of execution delays, site visits happen every 10 days! Ministry has decided to audit performances of DPR consultants and contractors. It will reward good performances and blacklisting poor performers.
http://www.5dariyanews.com/news/232843-Ministry-of-Road-Transport-Highways-Identifies-300-Ongoing-National-Highways-Projects-to-be-Completed-by-March-2019
Govt has been reasonably successful in improving bank finance. Banks have pledged Rs 1.3 lakh cr for EPC road projects. Private banks will finance 20 PPP projects out of 56 projects from 2016-17. SBI on its own will lend Rs 25,000cr at 8% over 10yrs. Rs 35,000 cr could come from other banks. The retail sector is being exploited for Bharatmala projects. Foreign pension funds are good options for TOT sales.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/pvt-banks-come-forward-to-fund-highway-projects/articleshow/64847094.cms
▐ Easing land acquisition rule to speed up road construction▐
Govt has ratcheted up awards but road construction is not keeping pace -- eg. 300 projects of 11,000km will be finished this fiscal, but awards will be 25,000km. Currently, construction must wait until 80% of the land is acquired, but if land norms are reduced to 50%, then 23 road projects could start immediately. Bridges, flyovers and tunnels can also be expedited, saving valuable time. Land acquisition problems are mainly encountered in UP, Bihar & WB, and farmers are, in any case, easily persuaded by higher compensation on offer in the last 4 years.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/infrastructure/land-acquisition-rule-for-highways-may-be-eased/articleshow/65394882.cms
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- https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/economy/exclusive-would-like-to-continue-as-transport-minister-if-nda-wins-2019-elections-says-gadkari-2565757.html
Delhi-Mumbai expressway will cost Rs 1 lakh cr. The part has already been built. More details:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/things-to-do/delhi-mumbai-super-expressway-to-enable-commuters-to-travel-to-and-fro-in-12-hours/as63578589.cms
Video: Gadkari speaks of expressway construction in India after inaugurating Delhi-Meerut and Eastern Peripheral Expressways (EPE). The reporter says people are impressed and want all future expressways built to the same standard:Exclusive: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari speaks about completion of 4 years of Modi governmentREPLY 32w - Real estate industry is shifting to Tier 2 & 3 cities
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1. Urban population will grow to reach 850m by 2050. Population in key demographics (19-58) will still be 50%. The trend of higher disposable incomes and nuclear families will lead to higher demand for housing and retail units.
2. Industries are getting established outside metros, like engineering, textiles, pharma, and capital goods, driven by lower fixed costs/ overheads, cheaper land rates and availability of skilled labour at cheaper rates.
3. For example, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Vadodara, Jamshedpur have become the hubs of e-commerce. Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara are excelling in the industrial sector. Jaipur has been leading in service sector investments, whilst Vizag is suited for heavy industry like mining and manufacturing. Coimbatore is home to 25,000 SMEs.
Govt initiatives-------------------
1. A thrust on physical infra like airports, flyovers, metro corridors, and expressways is fuelling rapid growth. Smart cities are mainly located in smaller cities.
2. Urban housing will receive a grant of 60,000 crores for credit subvention, and a target of 1.2cr new homes under PMAY (urban) by 2022.
3. RERA has shifted focus to the end-consumer. Smaller cities have high latent demand and are underserved by developers.
Residential, retail & commercial-----------------------------------------
1. Tier 2 & 3 cities have very high mid-income populations and residential lots are more affordable. Banks are also rapidly growing their mortgage business in these locations. Property prices are appreciating more in these cities, eg. New Town in Kolkata by 6.5% vs Kolkata 0%. Nashik 5.8% vs Mumbai 3.6%.
3. For the same reasons, smaller cities are magnets for inward retail & entertainment property investment. Large metro retailers and developers are indeed making big investments outside metros.
4. Warehousing is attractive where there are good transport links and low land values. It is a boon for e-retailers like Amazon as they can build out-of-town centres to cater for growing city demand.
REPLY 34w - Public bus service is being neglected by Delhi govt and city road improvements
===================
Centre and Delhi govt's quest for many more flyovers, metros, highways, expressways and other city road improvements has been bad for buses and ultimately for Delhi's congestion.
1. High vehicular traffic has congested roads and lowered the speed of buses. As a result, they do less distance per day and earn less revenue.
2. Delhi govt's neglect of DTC (Delhi Transport Corp) buses has meant that bus fleet is old and not grown in line with traffic demand. A large percentage of the fleet is unusable due to frequent breakdowns. As a result, waiting times are more than 15 mins for 75% of routes. Thus DTC buses don't have high patronage.
3. City planners are grossly negligent for removing bus stops during city road improvements and either not replacing them, or locating them in unsuitable or hazardous places. Passengers have to get to the middle of the road to take the bus or walk long distances to get to a good bus stop.
Comment: Buses usually get a high priority for obvious reasons. At the very least safe and convenient bus stops must be provided. Secondly, sufficient numbers of high quality, reliable, low pollution buses must be procured.
Bus travel should be promoted. Studies should be undertaken to measure the effects on congestion, pollution and convenience of public transportation.
REPLY 34w - Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir will witness a transformation
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PM Modi's efforts for Jammu & Kashmir's infrastructural transformation also has an overarching national (strategic) vision. This is seen in two mega connectivity projects.
ZOJILA TUNNEL-----------------------
Tunnel through Zojila pass remained a constant dream for decades. Surveys were carried in 1990s, planning started after Kargil war, but Union cabinet approval for Zojila tunnel (Rs 6,800cr) came only in 2018. The 14.2km project is expected to be completed in 2026. Civil costs are Rs 4900cr and the rest is land, R&R and O&M.
With this strategic tunnel, Leh will get all-weather and snow-free road connectivity, for fast and safe travel between Kashmir and Ladakh, on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh NH-1A. The most difficult snow-blockade occurs on a small stretch of 25 kilometres between Baltal (on Sonamarg side) and Matayan (on Drass side). The benefit comes from tourism flow to Ladakh region and better links to regional markets in the Kashmir valley. It aids defence forces protecting Kargil & Ladakh at Indo-Tibet border.
BRO has built paved roads to border outposts along the Western Line of Control facing Chinese-occupied Aksai Chin. Now, IL&FS (which built the fabulous Chenani-Nashri tunnel) has signed the EPC contract for the tunnel. As expected tunnel has high specifications. It will have a parallel emergency tunnel. There will be a cut and cross-ventilation system, fully transverse ventilation system, uninterrupted power supply, CCTV monitoring, variable messaging boards, traffic logging equipment, tunnel radio, and emergency telephone system.
RAILWAY CORRIDORS TO LEH----------------------
Logistics infra has taken to a new dimension, through building all-weather, snow-free railways in high mountainous regions. Two railway links to Leh were accorded sanction, namely Bilaspur-Manali-Leh (~498km, Rs 22,800cr) and Srinagar-Kargil-Leh links.
Final Location Survey of BML by RITES is expected by 2019. It is funded by MoD, as it is one of 14 strategic connectivity projects for Himalayan border regions.
Gains are manifold: movement of defence equipment & personnel, laying of the defence communication network; economic development & tourism boost, and dense railways network covering towns like Sunder Nagar Mandi, Manali, Tandi, Keylong, Koksar, Darcha, Upshi, Karu, Thiksey, Shey, Chiglamsar and Leh.
IMPACT on LADAKH-------------------------
Besides game-changing boosts to economic development, especially through tourism, there is also enhanced security, better public services and greater resource efficiency (due to integrated solutions rather than stand-alone ones). Only 5% of Ladakh is irrigated, so one potential is to exploit the colossal water resources of Zanskar, Suru, Dras, Shyok rivers locally & within India. Article 370, however, impedes outside investment in Ladakh and rest of J&K. There is scope to build a safe, dependable & shorter route to Kailash Mansarovar through Demchok. In this way, all three regions of J&K can leverage the potential for pilgrim tourism.
Ladakh Connectivity to China-----------------------------------------------------------
Chinese forays into Gilgit-Baltistan under the pretext of CPEC, as well as railways expansion to Tibet & Xinjiang, and eventually through Karakoram mountains, has serious implications for Ladakh in the longer term. India counter-plan is to create strategic connectivity to Ladakh. To some extent, Ladakh can be used to gain direct access to adjoining Tarim Basin and Tibetan Plateau, within China. According to the author, India can connect with China for a land route to Central Asia. This is in my view, counterproductive to India's claim on AC & POK.
Rocky Road for BML Railway Corridor----------------------------------------------------
Bilaspur-Mandi-Leh line is not without challenges in terms of its stability, geology, constructability, maintainability and safety issues. It will pass through four major high mountain passes of the Shivalik, Greater Himalayan and Zanskar Ranges with an altitude ranging from 600 metres to 5,300 metres. The alignment will start with 500-metre elevation in Bilaspur to about 3,215 metres in Leh but crosses higher passes like Tanglang La (17,480 ft) Baralacha La Pass (16,040 ft), and Lachung La (16,598 ft) on the way. The alignment will cross seismic zone and avalanche-prone areas --necessitating the construction of multiple tunnels, deep viaducts and high bridges. Over 60% of the track will pass through tunnels. BML is going to be India’s most picturesque rail project. It will also be the highest railway line in the world, and Taglang La station the highest station (5,359m). In building the railways, IR will have to be sensitive to Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, especially its wildlife treasures such as Kyang (wild asses), snow leopards, and rare black-neck cranes.
REPLY 33w - Tourism boost in UP - new city fit for tourists
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A township near Ayodhya got approval from the state tourism department. The idea is to put Ayodhya on the world tourism map. "It was impossible to transform the city as it was just too congested". Navya Ayodhya will host world-class facilities such as luxury hotels, riverside resorts, hospitality projects, skyscrapers among other things. It will come up between the old and new Faizabad-Gorakhpur highway.
According to reports, Ayodhya has a large untapped potential for NRI and foreign tourists. To create the right ambience, it will feature 7D Ramlila, light and sound show on the Ramayana and a musical fountain that will play Hanuman Chalisa. Planners will make it a destination for moksha. Studio apartments will be built near the banks of Saryu to those who want to die in Ayodhya. The apartments can be taken for as little as Rs 5lakh and returned on allottee's death.
REPLY 33w - Indian Expressways - progress from April 2017
¤=====================»
1. Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressway 271 km - targeted for completion
▬ Eastern PE inaugurated in May 2018.
▬ Western PE: partially open. Delayed due to land by at least 5 months. Perhaps end-Aug 2018.
2. Dwarka Expressway 27 km - started
▬ Rs 7,000cr project. Work didn't commence due to rehab issues. Now min 18 km stretch cleared, so work will start. Further reduced to just 14 structures awaiting rehab.
3. Delhi Meerut Expressway 90 km - proceeding on 2/3 sectors
▬ Work started on all 4 sectors. They are hoping it will finish before March 2019.
4. Delhi Jaipur super-Expressway 260 km - land acquisition talks
▬ Not started. Minister says it will start by end-2018 and take 3 years.
▬ Converted to greenfield expressway & extended to Mumbai-Vadodara. The new alignment is Jaipur - Kota - Ratlam - Dahod - Godhra - Vadodara.
▬ Changes to design so it better connects to backward areas of Mewat & Dahod.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/new-gurugram-mumbai-e-way-to-be-ready-in-three-years-nitin-gadkari/articleshow/63791549.cms
5. Delhi Ludhiana Amritsar Katra Expressway 600 km - project report to do
▬ More or less standstill. Economic corridor in Haryana has been added.
6. Gurugram Dwarka IG airport Bypass - put on a fast track.
▬ 6-lane deep tunnel link agreed. Work will start in 6 months (end-2018). Second tunnel link added from south Delhi to IG airport, of approx 1.5 km. The total cost of both is Rs 1350cr.
▬ Aside: metro link is mired in confusion, as Haryana govt is unable to decide.
7. Mumbai - Baroda Expressway 400 km - starts in 3 months
▬ Project was delayed, but contracts are now awarded. It changed to greenfield expressway and linkages to backward regions emphasised.
8. Mumbai Aurangabad Nagpur super-Expressway 705 km - land aq. (State)
▬ 700km, Rs46,000cr "Samruddhi Mahamarg" is on track. Work will start shortly as 86% of land is acquired. The project has been expanded into a "mega project" as many feeder roads from it will link it to 14 cities and most Maha districts. An under-road OFC network will help setup of IT parks, smart cities and educational institutions en-route.
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-maharashtra-budget-2018-construction-of-mumbai-nagpur-samruddhi-expressway-to-begin-next-month-announces-mungantiwar-2592399
9. Chennai - Bengaluru Expressway 260 km, soon for tender. Also, upgrade NH
▬ 10% of greenfield project under tender. At Chennai end, the port link may finally materialise (one part is under tender and another has received state approval and is under DPR).
10. Hyderabad Vijaywada Amravati Expressway 270 km (DPR for alignment)
▬ DPR is being done. Many say Centre has backed out or delayed for whatever reason.
11. Hyderabad - Bengaluru Expressway 570 km (DPR for new alignment)
▬ No monies allocated yet, but part of Bharatmala.
▬ DPR contract had been award on 7/2017. It will determine the viability of new alignment (as 4-lane NH already exists). DPR would consider rehabilitation, new townships, etc and complete by 8mo (early 2018).
▬ Project was expanded into Nagpur-Hyderabad-Bengaluru Expressway_ (1100km, Rs 35,000cr)._ It will be the longest-ever expressway in the world!!
12. Mumbai - Goa Highway upgradeExpressway(State & NHAI)
▬ It is an NH66 widening to the 4-lane project. Work will be completed by May 2019, except for tunnel in Tasheri ghat. Tunnel will be 3.5km, 6-laned with hard shoulders and done by Reliance infrastructure. 7km viaduct also included.
▬ Note: NHAI has taken over the Panvel-Indapur (84km) stretch, which had been delayed by 6yrs, and finish in May 2018.
▬ Note: State PWD is doing Indapur to Zharap (366km) stretch at Rs 10,000cr incl land. Work has started and due by May 2019.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/62586826.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
13. Brahmaputra Expressway 1300 km - MOU done, land acquisition talks.
▬ It is in DPR but perhaps delayed. One opines it is in cold storage.
▬ Assam govt report says:
It is an 890km 6-lane access-controlled e-way, that runs on the bank of Brahmaputra, from Sadiya (east) to Dhubri (west). It is a greenfield project, formally approved by Roads ministry, at cost Rs 40,000cr. It is economically viable, yet, "one of the most challenging infra projects in the world". River dredging will be done to collect material for road building, that also helps in navigation of river & flood control. The note says, it "almost touches every district of Assam," and so has a powerful impact on Assam & NE India. https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/north-east/expressway-to-boost-tourism-217399
14. Agra Lucknow Expressway 300 km - finish remaining by May.
▬ Work has finished.
15. Kolkata-Dhanbad Expressway 277 km (upgrade NH)
▬ Was approved in August 2017 per design, build, finance, operate and transfer. No information.
16. Jamshedpur Ranchi Bokaro Dhanbad Expressway 6-lane stuck at environment clearance (State)
17. Amaravati - Anantapuramu Expressway 600 km (State and Centre)
18. Delhi - Chandigarh Expressway 250 km (upgrade NH)
19. Delhi - Agra HighwayExpressway200 km (upgrade NH)
▬ Not referred to as expressway (?not access-controlled)
▬ The completion date of 180km 6-laning of NH-2 (Rs 2500cr) has been repeatedly postponed, for 3+ years.
▬ Project director says it should/ will end by June 2018. But delays abound: peripheral work has held up road work and at other places, road works not done.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/nh-2-six-laning-project-misses-deadline-again/articleshow/64900256.cms
20. Jalandhar- Ajmer Expressway (600km, approved in principle)
▬ In May 2018, Gadkari said J-A e-way via Bathinda has been sanctioned.
▬ He expressed interest in building it as a "superhighway" along the lines of Mumbai-Nagpur e-way. Unlike Maha, Punjab has no spare cash for a super-highway. So, road funds for Punjab could be availed and built by Centre.
▬ Intended to connect North Punjab (Pathankot) to Ajmer in Rajasthan, onward to Gujarat ports. Parts fall in Haryana.
▬ E-way should boost economies of North India incl J&K, HP. Punjab is benefited the most, as it could encourage export-orientated industrial development when agriculture is not able to provide good growth. The closed border with Pakistan had cut off direct transport link to sea-port (Lahore-Karachi before 1947).
https://swarajyamag.com/economy/punjab-trapped-in-its-farms
21. Lucknow - Ghazipur Purvanchal Expressway 350km, start 3/18 (Centre)
▬ Project is good to go.
22.Narmada Expressway---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1300 km approved (State and Centre)No longer a priority or even a consideration. Left to the state to acquire land, and perhaps justify viability.
22a. Indore-Bhopal Expressway (Rs 3000cr)
▬ Gadkari is interested in building this e-way. He wants state govt to acquire land.
23. Chambal Expressway 185 km approved (State and Centre)
▬ Land must be acquired before the project takes off. Cost of Rs 6000cr. Gadkari said in May 2018, that govt plans to build Chambal expressway to link to Delhi-Mumbai expressway. This would benefit the whole region.
https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/dream-of-vibrant-infrastructure-for-india-taking-shape-unmatched-work-in-4-years-nitin-gadkari/1185848/
24. Chennai Port-Maduravoyal elevated corridor 18-28km (State and Centre)
▬ TN govt finally gave approval for the link. Under DPR.
25. Biju Expressway 650 km, 4/6-lane, finish all 2019 (State)
▬ CM Patnaik inaugurated 4-lane Rourkela to Sambalpur (163km, Rs1200cr) section on March 2018: It is in West Odisha.
▬ Remaining 476 km will finish by March 2019. NH upgrade is 182 km and new alignment of 294 km connects Sohela to Ampani.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/part-of-four-lane-biju-expressway-inaugurated/article23167242.ece
26. Bengaluru - Mysuru Highway upgradeExpressway117 km, 4150cr, tendering on (Centre). Reported May 2017 - State will complete land acquisition by June 2018.
▬ In fact, it is a 4-lane NH-275 upgrade to 6-lanes. Rs 10,000 crore budget due to other works such as elevated roads: 5km NICE road after Kengeri & 4km near Maddur.
▬ 80% land on whole B-M route by March 2018, but NHAI will wait for 90% mark.
▬ Widening from Mysuru to Nidagatta (61km, 2900cr) ready for tendering, as land acquisition almost complete.
▬ NHAI has asked foot-overbridges to be raised in towns like Bidadi, Ramanagara, Channapatna, Maddur, Mandya and Srirangapatna.
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2018/mar/25/nhai-says-80-per-cent-of-land-acquisition-for-bengaluru-mysuru-road-widening-work-done-1792183.html
27. Hyderabad - Nagpur Expressway 505 km, principle approval (Centre)
▬ Joined with Hyderabad - Bengaluru Expressway. Under DPR but that should be out. As on new alignment, DPR will study economic development incl new townships and layout best alignment.
28. Ghazipur-Patna HighwayExpressway180 km, approved, part upgrade NH (Centre)
▬ Project floated in this article (Nov 2017), but no progress in terms of land acquisition, unlike Purvanchal Expressway.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/infrastructure/bjp-governments-2019-target-delhi-to-patna-by-road-in-11-hours-flat/articleshow/61600365.cms
▬ CM Bihar not sure of details, “I am aware that the greenfield expressway is proposed up to Ghazipur".
▬ Instead, CM Bihar wanted better connectivity for Patna, got 4-lane Buxar to Varanasi approved, for fast Patna-Varanasi link.
▬ In Oct 2017, Gadkari agreed Centre will build 4-lane Khagaul- Shivala-Bihta elevated expressway (14km) between Patna and Bihta. This lies on the proposed e-way.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/61083766.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
▬ A new 4-lane Ghazipur-Buxar via Chausa expressway will connect Patna-Ara-Buxar NH to Lucknow-Ghazipur e-way. This will bring fast connectivity all the way, between Patna to Delhi.
https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/bihar/nitish-outlines-centre-largesse-206304
▬ Patna-Ara-Buxar NH is being upgraded to 4-lanes. Work started in 2015. This 125km project involves upgrades to NH-30 (Patna-Ara) & NH-84 (Ara-Buxar), and construction of 3 new bridges: i) 2-lane bridge parallel to existing ii) 4-lane bridge iii) 6-lane Ganga bridge to N. Patna (City improvement).
28. Kharagpur-Siliguri expressway (516 km) has not yet taken off. WB is very happy that it is part of a 2000km upgrade. K-S expressway will form part of the 231km Bengal north-south corridor and connect to NH-6, NH-2, NH-60 and NH-34. Morgram-Haldia port distance will be reduced by 60km. Haldia port will have better connectivity to Northern hinterland. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Expressway-to-port-business-on-full-speed/articleshow/50020287.cms
REPLY 33w - RING ROADS FOR CITIES - IN WORKS
Bharatmala - plan for ring roads & bypasses:
28 Ring Roads:
1. Srinagar
2. Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra, Noida
3. Delhi
4. Jaipur, Kota, Udaipur
5. Pune, Nagpur, Dhule
6. Bengaluru, Belgaum, Chitradurga
7. Patna
8. Amaravati (AP), Vijayawada
11. Madurai
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/mar/05/312-km-northern-ring-road-to-decongest-madurai-1782143.html
12. Surat
13. Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur
14. Indore, Shivpuri
15. Ranchi, Dhanbad
16. Raipur
17. Gurugram
Other ring roads proposals or under construction------------------------------------
1. JAMMU
▬ Under construction from May 2018. 58km, Rs 2030cr semi-ring road project will take 3 years to complete. Entirely greenfield on the western side.
https://www.nbmcw.com/news/38273-j-k-gets-3-883-cr-twin-ring-road-projects.html
9. HYDERABAD, Karimnagar, Jangaon, Warangal, Hyderabad satellites
▬ Telangana govt is making master plans for ring roads. Hyderabad will have a vast regional ring road. Gadkari announced Rs 5,500 crore for laying a regional ring road around Hyderabad (363km) in May 2018. Lots of NH activity going on.
https://telanganatoday.com/telangana-moving-in-fast-lane
10. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
▬ Social impact study will take till Dec 2018 (so DPR can be done). 55-km, Rs 1060cr project has economic development zones. Centre shares 30%, state 17% and the rest is the private sector. Due to delays, not included in Bharatmala, but will happen later. State lethargy to blame. Land not much of a problem.
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2018/jun/09/outer-ring-road-project-to-be-delayed-1825855.html
11a. CHENNAI peripheral ring road
▬ Much delayed peripheral ring road is awaiting public hearings as it needs CRZ clearance. Environment impact studies found no major concerns. Bypass roads are choked and need to be linked and upgraded to make a ring road.
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/jun/19/public-hearing-on-chennai-peripheral-road-project-on-july-12-1830172.html
11b. COIMBATORE (western ring road)
▬ Land acquisition work is underway. 32.43km-long ring road will be done in phases.
12.AHMEDABAD & GANDHINAGA
13.BERHAMPUR
14.JABALPUR
15. HAZARIBAGH
▬ Jharkhand govt is going full steam for land acquisition for 17km ring road (June 2018).
16. AMBIKAPUR
▬ In very bad condition. 10 km stretch was contracted for 4-laning, but quality and slowness of work is being criticised. Not good.
SPECIAL ROADS & Mega State road works
MAHARASHTRA
1a. COASTAL ROAD of Mumbai - 29 km Marine Drive to Kandivali. Phase 1 approved. 10km 8-lane Marine Lines to Worli. Phase 1 is all on tunnels, reclaimed land and roads-on-stilts. Separately, elevated freeway (4 km) is planned to the inter-connect coastal road, MTHL and Eastern freeway.
▬ Total cost is Rs 15,000cr. 8-lanes incl 2 lanes for BRTS. Ph 1: Start by September 2018 & take 3 years. Not sure about the link to Kandivali. Alignment will soon finalise route extension to Bhayandar and Thane.
1b. BANDRA - VERSOVA SEA LINK 14 km long and Rs 7,500 crore will be built parallel to the proposed coastal road on reclaimed land. Tendering has started.
▬ Awarded the Rs 6,994cr project in May 2018. 5 yrs build time.
1c. Mumbai TRANS-HARBOUR LINK - 22 km, over Mumbai Bay from Sewri to Nhava, is a 6-lane with strip edges freeway sea link. Additionally, a link will connect MTHL to Mumbai-Pune expressway and Mumbai-Goa NH.
1d. Mumbai-Nagpur super-expressway.
1e. Others: TUNNEL under SG national park for a direct link between Thane and Borivali suburbs. Thane bridge and 5km elevated road link to NH. Six laning of NH-4 from Mumbai to Chennai.
UTTARAKHAND
2. CHARDHAM HIGHWAY is 1100 km and Rs 12,000 crore improved connectivity project to Char Dham pilgrimage centres in the Himalayas. Upgrading 900 km NH to 2 lanes (widening to 12m) and new alignments. It provides tunnels, viaducts, elevated corridors, bypasses, landslide mitigation, culverts, sunk zone treatment and roadside amenities. Earlier destroyed by a landslide.
JAMMU & KASHMIR - All weather roads
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
4. FRONTIER HIGHWAY is 1840 km and Rs 40,000 crore, passes through harsh, craggy mountainous border areas of N. Arunachal. Work has not started yet.
4b. TRANS-ARUNACHAL highway is 1500 km, 2 lanes at Rs 26,000 crore, through middle AP. Progress is slow. Already some completed stretches have deteriorated or damaged. Completion date pegged at 2018.
4c. BOGIBEEL BRIDGE over the Brahmaputra, 5 km, is nearing completion. It will be the longest rail-cum-road bridge in India. Proposed E-W INDUSTRIAL CORRIDOR of 431km along Assam border, will benefit from Bogibeel bridge, other new road links and strategic railway projects incl Assam to Tawang.
KARNATAKA
5a. SHIRADI GHAT tunnel under wildlife reserve, is part of 24km, Rs 10,000 crore tunnel-cum-bridges project for a straight link between Bengaluru, Hassan and Mangaluru.
REPLY 33w - Strategic Road infra for J&K
-------------------------------------------
SRINAGAR - JAMMU
1) Chenani-Nashri tunnel inaugurated in 2017.
▬ One of the best tunnels built in India. Excellent quality. see:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chenani-nashri-jks-new-lifeline-10-interesting-features-of-this-new-road-tunnel/articleshow/57970540.cms
▬ Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqDIACLagBA
2) 3 proposed tunnels on Jammu - Srinagar route: Pir-Ki-Gali Tunnel (8.5 km on NH-244, Rs 4,200cr), Vailoo Tunnel (8-10 km, Rs 3,500cr) at Sinthan Pass, Daranga Tunnel (4.5 km, Rs2500cr) at Shudh Mahadev. Pt of 5 tunnels to be managed by NHIDC.
http://smartinvestor.business-standard.com/pf/Pfnews-465848-Pfnewsdet-NHIDCL_gets_Rs_30_000_crore_tunnelling_projects_in_JK.htm#.W19BItJKjSE
SRINAGAR - LEH NH
1) Double laning of Srinagar-Leh NH (430km) - started last year.
2) Zojila tunnel on the Zojila pass on S-L NH (14.2km, R10,000cr), btw Sonamarg & Dras towns.
▬ Project approved in Jan 2018. Work from Aug 2018 and complete in 7 years. It will reduce travel to just 15 min, from 3.5hrs. Features 2-lane bi-direction, a parallel escape tunnel & approach roads.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cabinet-approves-zojila-pass-tunnel-project/articleshow/62355962.cms
3) Z-Morh tunnel (6.5km, Rs 2,700cr, also called Sonamarg tunnel), nr Gagangir on S-L NH, is under construction since 2015. Concrete lining may happen in 2018. Deadline of 2020.
HP to LEH & KARGIL
1) Rohtang tunnel will open for traffic in Nov 2019.
▬ RT 8.8-km, horseshoe-shaped, an engineering marvel that will ensure all-weather connectivity to the landlocked Lahaul Valley from tourist resort Manali. It is strategically important as a direct route to Leh on Tibet-India border.
▬ CM HP said 3 more tunnels were proposed in the area at Baralacha, La Chungla and Tangla La, which would reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 100 km.
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/rohtang-tunnel-will-open-for-traffic-in-nov-2019-cm/627593.html
2) Darcha-Shinkula-Padam-Nimu road (292km), is being built to connect Manali to Leh incl a tunnel at Shinku La pass
▬ Started in 2007 & strategic. Much anticipation, but slow construction & delays. Without this road, travel from Padum to Lahaul valley needs road detour to Leh (or 800 km by road) or a mountain trek.
▬ As of 7/2015, road from Darcha to Shinku La was completed. With this, "39.6km stretch to 5,050m high Shinku la Pass, Lahaul Valley is connected with Zanskar Valley and Army has a new shorter & direct route to reach Kargil". The road, however, closed in winter (Nov - May). For the all-weather road, tunnel around Shinkhula pass must also be built.
▬ Once Rohtang and Shinkula tunnels are complete, the road will be all weather.
▬ Status in 2018: Expected to be completed sometime after 2020.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/srinagar/bro-set-to-open-manali-leh-route-by-may-5/articleshow/63688117.cms
3) Part of 2). Shinkula tunnel: Expected to be completed in 2021. Work started in July 2010 but slow progress meant it will be delayed by 6 years. South access road (2.7km) was built in 2005. 18 avalanche protection structures were built on it. The tunnel is being drilled using modern tunnelling techniques (New Austria Tunnelling Method). Disposal of waste a major undertaking. North access road (24km) will connect to Manali-Sarchu road. These roads will be converted to NH standard. Good read here: http://futureuniverse.in/2018/06/rohtang-tunnel-leh-manali-highway/
4) 3 other proposed tunnels: i) Tunnel around Baralachala pass is 11.25-km, The pass is on Manali-Leh NH and is treacherous and slow to negotiate. It remains closed in winter. ii) Tunnel around Taglangla pass (2nd highest altitude road) is 14.78 km, and also on Manali-Leh NH iii) Tunnel around Lachungla pass measures 11.3km. It is at HP - J&K border. DPR on Taglang & Lachung tunnels ordered.
https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/jammu/chattergalla-singhpora-vailoo-tunnels-dprs-to-be-finalized-by-this-year-naeem-akhtar/274976.html
REPLY 33w - Darcha-Shinkhu-Padam-Nimu road (292km) shortens the distance from HP/ ROIndia to Kargil or Leh. Tunnels and other improvements on Srinagar to Leh road will ease travel to Kashmir valley. Darcha-Shinkhu
REPLY 33w - January 2018 update: Gadkari explains
----------------------------
Rs 25 lakh cr is the magnitude of works in highways and shipping in the next 5 years, under Sagarmala & Bharatmala.
Sagarmala project is a Rs 16 lakh cr programme. Rs 4 lakh crore relates to port mechanisation, port modernisation, greenfield ports and port connectivity via road & rail. More than Rs 1.80 lakh crore in the port sector has been awarded. Rs 30,000-40,000 crore are under tender. Ministry is investing in Port rail connectivity through Port Rail Connectivity Corporation, with a total investment of Rs 1lakh cr. Two major projects are Talcher-Paradip and Manmad-Indore.
Around Rs 12 lakh cr of mainly private sector investment, is 'expected' in port-led development. Here 40 industrial clusters and economic zones will be formed, incl 3 smart cities at 3 ports. Infrastructure work has already started. SEZ in Mumbai JNPT has also received interest from 22 players, out of which Rs 60,000cr investment and 125,000 jobs could fruitify. Port-led development is also about skill development. Industrial production of alternative fuels (methanol, bio-CNG, etc) can ideally happen here. Besides, car scrapping industry can develop here.
Immediate project flow for Sagarmala will be around Rs 3.5 lakh cr by March 2018, when 70% of DPR are ready. For Bharatmala, around Rs 3lakh cr (out of Rs 10lakh cr) should have started by end-2018. Gadkari's target is to complete all projects by 5 years. Under Bharatmala, we are building logistics parks worth Rs 2 lakh crore in 24 villages, 44 economic corridors, 10,000km 4-lane NH upgrades (from 2-lanes) under old NHAI scheme, 12 expressways, 36 bypasses, and 24 ring roads.
Waterways have a lot of undeveloped potential. Already work on 10 rivers has started. Our long-term goal is to develop 2,000 river ports on all viable rivers. In Ganga, we are making 40 river ports and 3 multi-modal hubs. In the Brahmaputra, we are making 60 river ports. Dredging is being in Ganga at Rs 1,700cr. River traffic control will operate -- work has finished from Patna to Haldia. Ganga will operate 9 ferry and 8 Ro-Ro services; in the Brahmaputra, there will be 7 Ro-Ro services. For ocean-going cruise business, we are targeting growth of cruises berthings from 80 to 950 at Mumbai in next 5 years. This will increase potential tourist footfalls by 3.5m.
24 logistic parks will be located on the national corridor, at key consumption & production centres, that account for 45% of road freight. Rs 1lakh cr will be spent on efficiency improvement of national corridors (ie to decongest road network). This will be done with bypasses & ring roads, 30+ lane expansions, etc. 4-lane roads of 26,000km will be laid for making 44 economic corridors. In addition, 66 inter-corridor routes of 8,400km, and 116 feeders (or last-mile connectivity roads) of 7,600km will be built. A further 3,000km of road upgrades connecting BBIN countries and India-Myanmar-Thailand highway will be done, which will enhance security and boost international trade.
Greenfield expressways (800m in ph1, has grown to 3000km)--------------------------------------
▬ Ahmedabad-Dholera, the DPR is under progress and alignment is being finalised
▬ Vadodara-Mumbai, the DPR is under progress and bids have been already invited under EPC
▬ Delhi-Meerut Expressway, contracts have been awarded
▬ Kanpur-Lucknow, DPR is under preparation
▬ Chennai-Bengaluru, DPR is under preparation
Can raise Rs 7 lakh equity in this way----------------------------------------
▬ Union budget is Rs 65,000 crore, which will grow to 75,000 crore in 2018, Rs 85,000 crore in 2019, etc
▬ Monetising completed projects under EPC raising Rs 1.25 lakh crore
▬ Toll income monetised for 15 years earns Rs 1.5 lakh crore
▬ Ministry can raise Rs 70,000 crore via bonds.
Raising kilometres of construction-----------------------------------
Km/day construction has risen from 16 to 23 in 3 years till 2017-18. To raise this to 40km/day, awards of contracts have surged. From 6000km in 2016-17 to 35,00km in next two years.
REPLY 33w - Criticism of Bharatmala & Sagarmala in Dailyhunt.in
-------------------------------------------
Bharatmala
The author is dismissive. He says Bharatmala and rural roads combined will produce just 19% more investment than before. At 34,800 km over 5 years, work amounts to 19km/day, or about the same as 2017/8 performance.
This doesn't make sense: Roads ministry is awarding more kilometres per year, of high-cost ring-roads, by-passes, tunnels, mountain roads, greenfield e-ways and 4/6 lane upgrades. If the output is impressive, so is the state-of-art quality with concrete-cement roads, high safety features, amenities & aesthetics.
Following pins the deceit of the article: A trade magazine states, "Rs.7 lakh crore programme involving 83,000 km is a five-year mega-opportunity, out of which Rs 1 lakh crore pa will be spent on construction (excl. land)".
❡— This includes 25,000 km of regional work, 10,000 km of the National Highway Development Programme, and 48,000 km of other work ❡—
❡— We need to achieve 17,000 km pa or 50 km/day!! It is substantial compared to anything the country has received to date ❡—
❡— NHIDCL will be doing 1,300 km this year. Given the terrain, EPC is the most preferred mode of contracting ❡— Nagendra Nath Sinha, MD, NHIDCL
More in http://www.constructionworld.in/News/BHARATMALA-Beyond-Connecting-Roads/110940
Dailyhunt.in article: Bharatmala by itself is not enough spending on roads infra-------------------------------------------
The Bharatmala Pariyojana is the second largest highway development project, since the National Highway Development Project (NHDP). It includes an investment of Rs. 5.35 lakh crore over five years and the construction of 34,800 km of roads. Additionally, Rs. 1.57 lakh crore will be spent on existing projects, increasing total expenditure to Rs. 6.92 lakh crore. While this initiative is crucial to build connectivity and foster economic growth, an important concern is whether the investment in the project will be sufficient to boost the construction of infrastructure.
Data released by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) shows that expenditure on new road projects over the last five years amounted to Rs. 6.55 lakh crore. The expenditure of Rs. 6.92 lakh crore over the next five years, is therefore not a large increase in investment considering inflation as well. As per the Mint Analysis, the total outlay of Rs. 7.8 lakh crore, after adding a proposed expenditure of Rs. 88,185 crore on roads in rural areas over the next three years, is only 19% of total investment spending in 2016-17. Despite a possible increase in awards for road contracts, it is questionable whether the amount of investment will boost capital expenditure and be sufficient to meet the country's needs.
Sagarmala
The author states that Sagarmala will be so huge that it will inevitably impact fishing communities. Other populations on the coast will also be impacted!! Author talks of "harsh forces of nature" and environmental damage, or perhaps he is referring to the impact of development on coastal erosion?
Why is this a lie?
1. Environmental impact studies are absolutely necessary for developments in any sensitive ecosystem, like coastal-marine. Decisions are subject to the scrutiny of Green tribunal.
2. Large part of Sagarmala is about Port Modernisation, Port Connectivity and Port-based SEZs.
▬ Improving the performance of Major Ports to compete with the private sector is not bad per se. Improving performance to match the top ports abroad is also not bad.
▬ Beyond modernisation through technology, equipment and processes, there are physical works like dredging, expansion, road & rail links, redevelopment of the port estate for SEZ, smart cities, logistic parks, etc. None of this is bad per se -- it is not discouraged in other countries.
▬ Rail-road connectivity is essential for the proper functioning of ports. Most states welcome the Centre's involvement and Centre has usually prioritised such linkages. Establishing such linkages has been haphazard & unsatisfactory. Sagarmala is meant to correct this situation.
▬ SEZ and other port activities are meant to create economic activity!! "Highly populated" coastal regions are looking for prosperity that comes from all this economic activity. Centre & States have been implementing SEZ policy for exports, with mixed results. Port-led development does this more efficiently, as it cuts down on the use of inland logistics.
3. Sagarmala recognises the importance of fishing communities and tourism. It lays emphasis on creating enabling infrastructure to increase/ improve fishing, eg support for deep sea fishing, processing, exports & inland logistics. Infrastructure is being laid for cruise ships, to increase berthings and provide tourist facilities.
4. New ports: All new ports are planned with cost-benefit analysis. All aspects are considered, incl impact on fishing communities and rehabilitation. Most new ports are build by States. Sagarmala's ports will not be the chief cause of environmental damage.
Article on Sagarmala
http://www.constructionworld.in/News/SAGARMALA-All-for-Ports/110941
Dailyhunt.in article: Sagarmala was not thought through - it could cause devastation to fishing communities and environment-----------------------
Sagarmala project is intended to bolster economic growth through enhanced activities over waterways and oceans. It involves the construction of ports, the creation of special economic zones, developing coastal infrastructure and inland waterways, and promoting tourism and fishing. It encompasses 400 projects along the coast, costing about Rs. 8 lakh crore over the next 20 years.
While such a project is important to make growth sustainable, the sheer magnitude of the same demands a discussion on the environmental, financial and social costs. The coastline is strewn with fishing communities that depend on fisheries near the shore for their living. The coastline is both exposed to the harsh forces of nature and is highly populated. It is, therefore, necessary that before the intervention of this magnitude is made, a cost-benefit analysis is done without using a myopic approach that is driven purely by numbers.
A report titled 'The Occupations of the Coast- Blue Economic System in India', points to the lack of consideration by the government of such factors while going ahead with the project. It also highlights the tendency of the government to reduce engagement with important stakeholders such as the fishing communities, ultimately alienating them. If the government does not actively take this into consideration and engage with these communities, it could result in a loss of livelihoods and irreversible environmental damage.
REPLY 33w - “Green-field expressways under Bharatmala will be built in certain sections .. where.. traffic exceeds 50,000 PCUs and has also developed several choke points. Out of 1,900 km of such stretches, around 800 km is being taken up in Phase-I.
"No project is to be awarded without confirming availability of 80% of land for Private Public Partnership (PPP) projects and 90% for EPC projects.”
The author cannot reconcile to the approval of Chennai-Salem e-way. He assumes Bharatmala is set in stone. So he cites "ease of land acquisition" criteria but this can change. For example, the project was changed to greenfield e-way, from earlier NH widening, and these are cheaper and easier for acquiring land. There are nuggets of information on the selection of Bharamala projects. Worth reading. Eg choice of Intermodal Stations is based on the city's high use as a transit of goods & people -- ie is it worthy of being a hub?
REPLY 33w
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