Road projects in limbo, thanks to red tape

August 20, 2006

NEW DELHI: The Planning Commission’s failed attempt at redesigning public-private partnership contracts for roads since January 2005, has paralysed the nation’s highway building exercise, once the showpiece of government performance.

Government sources concede that apart from roughly 30 projects processed earlier, not a single kilometre of new BoT (build-operate-Transfer) projects have been awarded since early 2005. After two years, matters have reached a new low, with NHAI taking a decision in a July 29 board meeting, to hold award of projects, pending resolution of new norms.

Written by ITW Editor · Filed Under Investment and Finance

PLUS lands Mumbai job

August 8, 2006

PETALING JAYA: After years of scouting around globally for projects to widen its earnings stream, PLUS Expressways Bhd has landed a RM148mil BOT (build, operate and transfer) job that involves a 21.6km highway near Mumbai in India.

This is PLUS’ first foray overseas but the company hopes to clinch many more jobs in India where it is said to be in talks with several other state governments for similar projects. Nearer home, it is trying to secure projects in Indonesia and Vietnam.

Written by ITW Editor · Filed Under Investment and Finance, PLUS, Tech

Baalu Discusses Road Development Initiatives In The State Of Bihar

August 4, 2006

The Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, Thiru T. R. Baalu discussed the initiatives of the Central Government on the Road Sector Development in Bihar with the Central Ministries and Members of Parliament belonging to the State here today. The senior officials from the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), State Chief Engineer and Team Leaders of various Projects briefed the participants on the progress of several projects in the State.

The status and pace of implementation of various projects under Golden Quadrilateral (GQ), East-West Corridor and Projects under NHDP Phase III alongwith the special Projects were discussed threadbare. The development of all other National Highways in Bihar being improved through the State National Highway Wing was also deliberated upon.

Written by ITW Editor · Filed Under Default

Delhi’s entry points to be developed

August 1, 2006

NEW DELHI: With the aim of enhancing visitors’ experience when entering the national capital, Delhi government has decided to develop the city’s entry points and equip them with various facilities. Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) has been entrusted with the task of developing the eight entry points. Each entry point would have a different look, but they would all have facilities such as trade and tax department, toll collection booths, petrol pumps, food courts, tourism kiosk and weigh bridges. “When you enter Delhi, you should get a feel of the place and the fact that you are entering the national capital. The project has been taken up to enhance this feeling,” said DSIIDC Managing Director Jalaj Shrivastava. The entry gate would be a sort of a facilitation centre where the different facilities would be available at the same place, he said. “This would be made on BOT basis so that the government does not have to spend any money on the project,”

Written by ITW Editor · Filed Under DSIIDC