The government today said as many as 145 projects under the National Highways Development Project (NHDP) for construction of 5,311 km of highways are running behind schedule.

"There are 145 NHDP projects running behind schedule... In case the project is delayed due to reasons attributable to the contractor, liquidated damages are imposed and no escalation is paid...The overall escalation can only be calculated after completion of the projects," Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways R P N Singh said in Rajya Sabha.

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"Due to delay in completion of projects 25 contracts have been terminated by NHAI. Further due to consistent non-performance in construction 20 contractors were also declared non-performers and debarred from bidding in NHAI projects," the minister said in a written reply.

He informed the Upper House that NHAI has set up regional offices, headed by Chief General Managers to expedite implementation of projects. "Adequate powers have been delegated to the Chief General Managers who will monitor land acquisition matters as well as implementation of projects.

"Special land acquisition units are also being set up to expedite land acquisition. State governments have been requested to appoint Chief Secretaries of States as nodal officers for NHDP projects," he said.

The government has already set up 61 special land acquisition units (SLAU) and is in the process of constituting over 100 more such units to address the problems relating to delays in land acquisition for highway projects.

The said units under the NHAI have been delegated power for preparation of notification for land acquisition and finalising the compensation package, disbursement of compensation to land owners and mutation of land acquired under the Act.

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