NHDP projects worth Rs 4,439 cr get nod

The Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) has approved nine highway projects with an investment of Rs 4,439 crore under the third phase of the National Highway Development Programme(NHDP).

The committee has so far approved 10 highway projects of NHAI involving a total investment of more than Rs 5,000 crore and also a port sector project.

A senior official associated with the committee on infrastructure headed by the PM, said, "there were delays because we were undergoing structural changes to execute infrastructure projects through the PPP route and so resistance from many quarters was bound to come. But this is a passing phase and once everyone, including the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways gets used to the new system, progress will be seen in leaps and bounds."

The committee cleared the setting up of an iron ore handling facility on build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis at New Mangalore port at a total cost of Rs 103 crore.

The committee also cleared six and four laning of the NH-10 section from Delhi-Haryana border to Rohtak, including theconstruction of Bahadurgarh and Rohtak bypasses on BOT basis, whose project cost is estimated at Rs 441 crore.

Four laning from the junction of NH-68 with NH-7 near Salem to the junction of NH-68 with NH-45 near Ulundrupet, at a project cost of Rs 941 crore was also cleared by the committee.

The official added, "the delays were due to unavailability of eligible candidates for infrastructure projects to whom concessions could be awarded; so now we will also be inviting foreign players of repute and make environment conducive for them to participate in PPP projects in infrastructure."