Write back

The news report says that stretches on NHDP-III and NHDP-V can be left at two lanes. The fact is that all stretches under NHDP-V already have four lanes and the proposal is to upgrade them to six lanes. It has also been stated that the Model Concession Agreement (MCA) may have to be modified since it provides only for four and six laning. This is incorrect because the same MCA can be,and has been,used for two-lane projects.

It has been stated that two-lane highways are not safe as four-lane highways. This is not correct because even in the developed world,there are more two-lane highways than four-lane highways. In any case,the Government should not spend three times the money if the traffic volume is low.

It has been stated that in certain situations,the MCA bars the developers from collecting tolls,but if the project runs into losses,the government does not share the burden. These clauses do not exist in the MCA.

Gunjan Pradhan replies: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways sources confirmed a proposal that projects yet to be bid out on NHDP III and V be re-engineered to two lanes to cut costs. It was discussed in a meeting with the NHAI and road developers last week.

NHAI officials and developers have said that since MCA does not state anything on two-lane projects clearly,they may have to consult the government on whether changes are required or not.

The statement on the safety of two-lane highways has been attributed to a private developer who attended meetings with the NHAI and road transport ministry.

Lastly,MCA barring developers from collecting toll,refers to the termination clause of the new MCA. This is clause 29.2.3,where if the target traffic on a BOT toll road exceeds by a certain volume in three consecutive years,the NHAI reserves the discretion to terminate the contract.