Over 30% infra projects delayed: Jena

Law and order problems, land acquisition delay, fund constraints and environment clearances caused delay of over 30% of the centrally monitored infrastructure projects as on December 1, 2013, Parliament was informed today.

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation monitors the on-going central sector infrastructure projects costing Rs 150 crore and above on time and cost overruns.

"As on December 1, 2013, 739 on-going central sector projects were on the monitor of this Ministry. Of these, 231 projects are delayed as against their original dates of commissioning," Minister of State (Independent) Srikant Kumar Jena said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha.

As reported by the project implementing agencies, the main reasons for delay in implementation are law and order problems, delay in land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement problems, fund constraints, delay in forest and environment clearances, delay in supply of material and contractual issues, among others, the Minister said.

He said government has taken various steps for timely completion of these projects, including rigorous project appraisal, on-line computerised monitoring system. Besides Standing Committees have set up responsibility for time and cost overruns.

Jena said regular review by the concerned ministries is also undertaken, besides resolving problems of clearances and approvals of projects, removal of bottlenecks and speedy implementation by Central Sector Projects Coordination Committee.