Now,a regulator to settle highway disputes

The independent regulator will be expected to provide solutions to revive the road sector,which has seen a slowdown in award and implementation of projects. Due to the economy slowdown and delay in approvals from the government,implementation of a number of road projects has been delayed.

According to estimates,around 20 projects worth around Rs 2,500 crore have not been able to reach financial closure. Every project gets 180 plus 120 days to complete financial closure and these projects are in their 120-day extension period.

In terms of award,the sector,which saw the award of around 8,000 km in road projects in 2011-12,its highest ever,has been able to award road projects covering 1,500 km in the current fiscal.

Industry analysts and government officials welcomed the move. This is one of the big-ticket schemes announced by the government,as it had become a necessary condition. This will help in speedy resolution of the issues in the highways sector, said Vinayak Chatterjee,chairman,Feedback Infrastructure Services Private Limited,an infrastructure consultancy firm.