Govt to stall highway works until it gets enough land

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has decided not to award any highway project contracts until it has sufficient land in hand.  

The decision was taken keeping in mind the   bad experience of 2011 when large number of projects were shelved due to non-availability of land.

In 2017-18, so far, the Highway Ministry has awarded about 8,800 km stretches against the target of 25,000 km and has completed construction of approximately 8,200 km against the target of 15,000 km.

The government's current policy is not to issue any work order unless 80% of land is in its possession. In 2011, large number of highway projects were cancelled following delay in land acquisition as well as environment clearances.

"The government has decided to be very cautious in awarding projects and ensure availability of sufficient land before inviting tender," said an official. Even after final notification, acquiring land in some states   takes six months, and in a few others more than a year as farmers were reluctant to give up their land even after receiving compensation, the official added.