INDEX
- INTRODUCTION
- CONSTRUCTION
OF NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
3.
ROAD SAFETY
- GREEN
INITIATIVES
- E-
INITIATIVES
- INTERNATIONAL
PARTNERSHIPS
- OTHERS
1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1 2017 has been a major
milestone year for the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. While the period
since 2014 to 2016 was utilised for the purposes of reform and course
correction, 2017 witnessed consolidation, culmination and the rollout of a new
road-map for the Highways sector. Keeping the rapid developments in the sector
in mind, RBI appreciated the highway infrastructure
development sector in their Annual Report 2016-17, noting that there is a
decline in cost and time overruns to the tune of Rs. 1.5 Billion and an
all-time rise in award and construction of highways projects including a peak
of daily additions to the roads constructed. Further, it pointed out that
stalled projects had declined, both in terms of value and numbers. Another
creditworthy development was that following the
upgrade of India's sovereign rating from Baa3 positive to Baa2 stable on 16th
November 2017, Moody's Investors Service upgraded the issuer ratings of
National Highways Authority of India to Baa2 from Baa3 and revised the outlook
to stable from positive.
1.2 2017 witnessed several
highlights. This was the year when engineering marvels like the Dhola Sadiya
bridge in Assam and Chenani Nashri tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir were opened up
to connect far-off areas and pave the way for their socio-economic development.
This was also the year that saw the launch of Bharatmala Pariyojana, India’s
largest ever highways development programme that promises to optimize the
efficiency of road traffic movement across the country by bridging critical
infrastructure gaps. In the area of road safety too, we witnessed a slight
decrease in the number of road accidents.
1.3 Year 2017 can also be seen
as a major turning point for transport planning in the country, with the idea
of multi-modal transport development gaining ground. The Union Budget 2017-18 set
the ground for this with a comprehensive budget for the transport sector as a
whole. MoRTH took the idea further by organising the India
Integrated Transport and Logistics Summit, organized
in May 2017 and by actively promoting multi-modal transport planning with greater
synergy in investments in railways, roads, waterways
and civil aviation.
1.4 The Ministry and its project
executing organizations have carried forward the good work of the previous
years in 2017, expanding the national highways network in the country, taking
various steps to make these highways safer for the commuter and making best
efforts to minimize adverse impacts on the environment. Significant activities
taken up by the Ministry during the year are as follows:
2. CONSTRUCTION
OF NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
2.1
Award / Construction Statistics:
Award and construction activity
is a direct consequence of demand, land availability and management of
contracts. March 2017 witnessed the highest awards at 15948 kilometres and
construction at 8231 kilometres. The table below details the trends of NH construction
over the years:
|
Year
|
Award
(kms)
|
Construction
(kms)
|
|
2014-15
|
7972
|
4410
|
|
2015-16
|
10098
|
6061
|
|
2016-17
|
15948
|
8231
|
|
Note: 2017-18 is work in
progress and with the finalisation of the Bharatmala Pariyojana
and its contours, the activity of award and construction has been focused in
concerted directions
|
2.2
New
Programmes, Projects and Structures
(i)
Bharatmala
Pariyojana: Phase-I
This is a new umbrella program for the
highways sector that aims to optimize the efficiency of road traffic movement
across the country by bridging critical infrastructure gaps. Special attention
has been paid to fulfilling the connectivity needs of areas of economic
activity, places of religious and tourist interest, border areas, backward and
tribal areas, coastal areas and trade routes with neighbouring countries under the
programme. Multi-modal integration is one of the
key focuses of this programme. A total of around 53,000 kms of NHs have been
identified to improve National Corridor efficiency, of which 24,800 kms
are to be taken up in Phase-I, which will be
implemented over a period of five years i.e. 2017-18 to 2021-22 in a phased
manner. This includes 5,000
kms of the National Corridors, 9000 kms of Economic Corridors, 6000 km of
Feeder Corridors and lnter-Corridors, 2000 kms of Border Roads, 2,000 kms of
Coastal Roads and Port Connectivity Roads
and 800 kms of Green-field Expressways.
Total likely fund provision for Bharatmala Phase-I is Rs. 5,35,000 cr.
Bharatmala will be a major
driver for economic growth in the country. lt
is estimated that more than 35 crore man-days of employment shall be generated
under Phase-l of the programme.
(ii)
Chenani- Nashri Tunnel
An ideal example of the government’s
‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’ initiative, the 9 km long, twin-tube,
all-weather tunnel between Udhampur and Ramban in Jammu & Kashmir
is not only India’s longest highway tunnel but also Asia’s longest
bi-directional highway tunnel. Built at an elevation of 1200 metres on one of
the most difficult Himalayan terrains, the tunnel cuts the travel time
between Jammu and Srinagar by two hours, bypassing about 41 kms of road
length. It will also ensure an all-weather passage on a route that often sees
heavy traffic jams and disruptions due to landslides, snow, sharp curves,
breakdown of vehicles and accidents. The tunnel has been constructed at a cost
of about Rs 3720 crores and is a part of the 286-km-long project for four-laning
of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
(iii)
Dhola
Sadiya Bridge
The Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated
India's longest bridge- the 9.15 km long Dhola-Sadiya Bridge over River
Brahmaputra in Assam on 26th May 2017. The bridge has ensured 24x7
connectivity between upper Assam and Eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh, marking
a major transformation from the ferry-based, day-only connectivity that
collapsed during floods. It has considerably reduced the distance and travel
time between the two states. The distance between Rupai on NH- 37 in Assam to
Meka/Roing on NH-52 in Arunachal Pradesh has been cut down by 165 KM. The
travel time between the two places has come down from six hours to just one
hour – a total five hour reduction.
(iv) Extra-dosed
Bridge across River Narmada at Bharuch
A
new four lane, Extra-dosed Bridge across river Narmada at Bharuch, inaugurated
by the Prime Minister on 9th of March 2017, has brought major relief
for people travelling on the Vadodara- Surat section of NH-8. The 1.4 km
‘Extradosed’ cable stayed bridge is the longest in India and the second such
bridge in the country after Nivedita Setu over Hooghly.
(v)
Bridge over River Chambal at Kota
A 6-lane Cable Stayed Bridge across
river Chambal at Kota was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Modi on 29th August 2017. Built at a cost of Rs. 278 Crores,
this bridge marks the completion of the East-West corridor.
2.3
Status/
Progress of important programmes/ projects under implementation
(i)
Chardham
Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojna
The projects envisages development of easy access to
the four prominent Dhams, namely, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedranath and Badrinath,
situated in the state of Uttrakhand. These four Dhams are prominent pilgrimage
centres. The project entails development of 889 km of roads with configuration
of two-lane with paved shoulders at an estimated cost of about Rs. 12,000
crore. So far, 24 works have been sanctioned traversing a length of 395
kilometres. 22 works covering a length of 340 kilometre have been awarded. The
projects are being taken up on EPC mode amd the program is targeted for
completion by March, 2020
(ii) Eastern
Peripheral Expressway– Western Peripheral Expressway
The
project of Peripheral Expressways around Delhi, comprising Eastern Peripheral
Expressway (EPE) and Western Peripheral Expressway (WPE) emanating from NH-1
(near Kundli) and terminating at NH-2 (near Palwal), bypassing Delhi aims to
decongest Delhi and reduce pollution levels in the NCR. While the EPE is being
developed by the NHAI, the WPE is being developed by the State of Haryana. Each
of these Expressways is 135 km long, leading to an outer-outer ring road of 270
kms for Delhi. These Peripheral Expressways are to be access controlled six-lane
roads. The work, being executed in six packages, is due for completion before
March 2018.
(iii)
Delhi-Meerut Expressway
The Delhi-Meerut Expressway aims to provide a fast
link between the two cities. The
alignment of DME starts from Nizammudin Bridge from Delhi and follows existing
NH 24 upto Dasna. While one leg of DME will continue from Dasna on NH 24 to
Hapur, a Greenfield alignment has been planned from Dasna to Meerut. The 8.7
km, 14-lane highway is being completed in a record time of about 15 months as
against the originbal scheduled completion period of 30 months. This first
stretch from Nizamudin Bridge to UP Border is provisioned with with 14 lanes,
and has several features that would help reduce pollution. These include a 2.5
metre wide cycle track on either side of the highway, a vertical garden on the
Yamuna Bridge, solar lighting system and watering of plants through drip
irrigation only.
(iv)
Vadodara-Mumbai
Expressway
The
473 km expressway will link Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway to Mumbai-Pune
Expressway thus providing Expressway connectivity from Ahmedabad to Pune for a
length of about 650 Km. The project will be taken up in three phases. Land
acquisition, environment clearance etc are at advanced stage of approval for
Phase I and II. Bids have also been invited for the First package of of phase
-1.
(v)
Bangalore-Chennai
Expressway (262 km)
Bangalore-Chennai Expressway is a green-field
alignment and will be operated with a closed toll system. There are two
existing roads connecting Bangalore-Chennai, one is via Hoskote (Bangalore)-AP
then to Chennai & second is via Electronic City (Bangalore) Hosur (Tamil
Nadu) and then to Chennai. The alignment of proposed expressway is passing in
between these two stretches. The processes of land acquisition, environment and
other pre-cnstruction activities are under progress.
(vi)
Byet Dwarka – Okha Bridge
The Ministry has taken up constuction of a signature
4-lane Bridge to connect the mainland at Okha to Byet-Dwarka Island off the
Gujarat Coast with this signature Bridge spanning a length of 2.32 kms. The
Project has been awarded on 01.01.2018 at a cost of Rs. 689.47 crores. This
will be the longest span cable stayed bridge in India with the main span of 500
mtrs. The project is scheduled to be completed in 30 months time.
2.4 New
Expressways planned under under Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I
(i)
Delhi-Jaipur Expressway
(ii)
Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway
(iii)
Vadodra-Mumbia Expressway
(iv)
Hyderabad- Vijayawada- Amravathi (HVA)
Expressway
(v)
Nagpur-Hyderabad-Bangalore (NBH)
Expressway
(vi)
Kanpur Lucknow (KL) Expressway
(vii) Ring
road/ Expressway at Amravathi
2.5 Indian Bridge
Management System (IBMS)
The Ministry took-up a new
initiative, known as Indian Bridge Management System (IBMS), to inventorise all
structures e.g. Bridges and culverts constructed on the National highways. The
consultants have completed their report and also undertaken the condition
assessment of all the existing bridges on National Highways. As such, inventory
for more than 1,62,000 bridges and culverts has been completed. A total of 147
Bridges have been identified as distressed structures which call for immediate
restoration/ replacements. A time-bound action plan to undertake repairs and
restoration or construction of new bridges in place of the decadent structures
has been put in place.
2.6
Setu Bharatam
In order to ensure safe and smooth flow of traffic,
Ministry has envisaged a plan for replacement of Level Crossings on National
Highways by ROBs/ RUBs under a scheme known as Setu Bharatam. Under this
programme, construction of 208 RoBs/ RuBs on Level Crossings (which are not
falling under any other programme like NHDP etc.) at an estimated cost of Rs.
20,800 crore is envisaged. Out of these 208 ROBs, Detailed Project Reports for
127 ROBs have been received in the Ministry, out of which 78 ROBs with an
estimated cost of Rs. 6428.57 crore have been sanctioned till 31.03.2017, of
which 35 works have been awarded so far. 09 ROBs with an estimated cost of Rs.
576.58 crore have been sanctioned till date during FY 2017-18.
2.7 Funding
Models and other policies to facilitate construction of National Highways
(i)
Measures to revive Languishing stalled
projects:
The Ministry has focused on completion of on-going
projects along with sanction and award of new projects. A total of 73 projects
(8,187 km) worth an estimated investment of Rs.1,00,000 crore were identified
as Languishing Projects. The reasons for delay were identified and policy
interventions undertaken to address the same. This, inter alia, includes (a) One
Time Fund Infusion Scheme (OTFIS) whereby financial
assistance is provided by NHAI to the contractor/ concessionaire in the form of
a working capital loan, (b) Rationalized Compensation whereby a one-time
compensation, equivalent to annuities that were missed on account of delay in
completion of the project , is provided to the concessionaire in the case of
BOT (Annuity) projects; (c) Extension of concession period, (d) Substitution of
concessionaire & Termination. As on date, the entire portfolio of
languishing projects that have been taken up for revival/ completion is as per
table below:-
|
Description of Projects
|
Number of Projects
|
Length in Kms
|
|
Projects where issues have been
resolved through regular monitoring
|
15
|
2054.94
|
|
Projects terminated and
re-packaged and re-bid.
|
48
|
5090.68
|
|
Projects revived after policy
interventions
|
10
|
1041.00
|
|
Total
|
73
|
8186.62 or 8187
|
(ii)
Toll-
Operate-Transfer (TOT)
The Ministry is monetizing its road
assets constructed with public funds through Toll-Operate-Transfer (ToT)
scheme. The scheme envisages bidding of bundled national highways for a
concession period of 30 years. The bids for the first bundle of 9 NHs have been
invited and are scheduled to be received on 09.01.2018.
(iii)
Masala
Bonds
Targeting mobilization of funds, NHAI launched
an issue of Masala Bonds at the London Stock Exchange in May 2017. The Masala
Bond saw an overwhelming response from a wide spectrum of investors. The
initial benchmark issue of Rs 1500 crore was upsized to Rs 3000 crore. Asia
contributed 60 percent and Europe 40 percent of subscription. 61 percent of the
amount is from fund managers or insurance funds, 18 percent from banks and 14
percent from private banks. NHAI’s Masala Bonds have been rated the best for
the year 2017.
(iv)
Planning
for Multi Modal Transport Systems
An India Integrated Transport and Logistics
Summit was organized in New Delhi from 3rd to 5th
May 2017. It was attended by around 3000 delegates from India and abroad which
included central and state government organizations, international
organizations like World Bank and ADB, global transport and supply chain
experts and representatives of private companies. Thirty-four MoUs amounting to
about Rs 2 lakh crores were signed at the end of the Summit. Carrying the
initiative further, the Ministry is actively engaged with a few states for
establishment of Multi-modal Logistics Parks in this direction.
Further, it has been decided to develop
state-of-the-art Inter-modal stations at Varanasi and Nagpur as the two pilots.
A Committee has been constituted for review, monitoring and implementation of these
Inter-modal Stations at these locations under the Chairmanship of respective
Divisional Commissioners with the charter to facilitate DPR preparation etc.
(v)
Decentralisation
& Administrative Measures
(a)
Enhanced powers for approval of projects
have been delegated to the NHAI Board specifically in the case of EPC projects
and all PPP (BOT) projects where no VGF is involved. This will fast track the
decision making process.
(b)
Powers for appraisal and sanction of NH
projects implemented through the state PWDs have been enhanced and certain
field offices of MoRTH are now headed by the CE-ROs with a view to further
streamlining various processes. This is expected to increase efficiency and
speedier decision making.
(c)
Within the Bharatmala Parijoyna 10% of
the funds will be ear-marked under the Grand Challenge mechanism for the State
Governments where sufficient and timely land is made available. This will fast
track the projects.
3. ROAD
SAFETY
3.1
Decrease in road accidents and fatalities
India is committed to bring down fatalities from
road accidents. This requires a multi-pronged approach for strengthening
automobile safety standards, improving road infrastructure, generating
awareness programmes, strengthening enforcements and streamlining the trauma
care assistance programme. The Ministry's concerted efforts at bringing down
the number of road accidents has started showing results. As per the report Road
Accidents in India-2016, there has been a decrease in road accidents by
4.1% in 2016. The data for first three quarters indicates that this trend
continues. The number of accidents up to September, 2017 saw a reduction of
5.2% over the figures for the corresponding period in 2016. The fatalities have
shown a decrease of 4.4% during this period. Except the States of Assam, Bihar,
Orissa and Uttar Pradesh, all the States have witnessed a decrease in road
accident fatalities ranging between 2-10 % during this period.
3.2
New Accident Reporting Format
A strong Road safety action plan requires a credible
database. The current format of reporting was, therefore, revised on the basis
of the recommendations of an expert committee comprising of experts from IIT
Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, WHO, senior officers from the Police and Transport
Departments of States and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The new
format of accident reporting has been adopted by all the States and will help
in focussing at the key risk areas to strengthen road safety in coming years.
3.3 Rectification
of Black Spots
The
Ministry has so far identified 789 road accident black spots in various States of
which 138 are on State roads. 189 spots have already been rectified and sanctions
for rectification of 256 spots accorded till date which are in different stages
of bidding/ progress. 2 Nos. of road safety improvement works on National
Highways at selected critical locations at a cost of Rs 30 crore have also been
sanctioned under road safety annual plan during 2017-18 which are also under
bidding/ progress. Apart from carrying out road safety audits as part of all
EPC/ BOT projects, standalone road safety audit has also been initiated on
National Highways. Ministry had also has sanctioned installation of crash
barriers on national highways in hilly terrain at accident prone locations in
different hill states in a length of 137 km at a cost of Rs 85 Crore.
3.4 Training
of Drivers
Ministry has been working in association with
States, Vehicle manufacturers and NGOs for strengthening the driving training. Institutes
of Driving Training and Research (IDTRs) have been established in a few states which
act as model Driving Training Centres with state of art infrastructure.
Ministry has also launched a scheme for creating driving training centres in
all the districts of the country in due course and also supports refresher
training programmes for heavy commercial vehicles drivers.
3.5
Model Automated Centres for checking fitness of
vehicles:
Ministry has sanctioned 20 Inspection and
certification Centres for testing the fitness of the commercial vehicles though
an automated system. Six centres are already operational. These centres will provide
for objective evaluation of road worthiness of the heavy commercial vehicles.
Based on the encouraging experience, it is now proposed to extend this scheme
to all the states during next year.
3.6
New steps for safety of vehicles :
(i)
Two Wheelers:
Two Wheelers account for a major share of accidents and consequent fatalities.
A frequent reason is skidding of vehicles. To save the precious lives of
two-wheeler users, all the two wheelers have been mandated to be fitted with
Anti-Lock braking System (ABS) w.e.f. 1st April, 2019. This is
expected to significantly improve the on-road safety of two-wheelers. Apart
from this, all the two-wheelers have also been mandated to have a day light
running system to improve the conspicuity of the two wheelers. Helmet is
provided as a compulsory accessory at the time of sale of all new two wheelers.
This has helped improve helmet compliance amongst two-wheeler riders.
(ii)
Motor Cars -
All the passenger cars are also mandated to be fitted with ABS to improve their
safety and stability. One of the highlights of the year is the mandate for car
manufacturers to fit additional safety features on cars to be manufactured from
1st July, 2019. These include compulsory air-bags, speed warning
audio alert, seat belt audio alerts and reverse sensors.
(iii)
Heavy Vehicles:
All heavy vehicles have been mandated to have ABS fitted on them. The bus body
code has been implemented which would help improve the passenger safety as well
as ensure minimum level of comfort. The truck body code has also been notified.
3.7 Free Eye Check-up
Campaign
The Minister
of Road Transport and Highways and the NHAI launched a countrywide Free Eye
Check-up Campaign and distribution of spectacles for truck drivers, cleaners
and helpers on 2nd October, 2017 at Panjari Toll Plaza, Nagpur Bypass, Nagpur,
in Maharashtra. 50 free eye check-ups camps were also set up on identified
National Highways till 6th October, 2017. More than 5,000 drivers registered
for the eye check-up and more than 3,000 spectacles were distributed to those
with impaired vision free of any charge.
3.8
Passenger Safety and Security
To enhance
the passenger safety and specially the safety and security of women and children
in transit, all the passenger buses and taxis have been mandated to be fitted
with GPS devices to enable real time tracking and intervention in times of
crisis.
3.9 Motor
Vehicle (Amendment) Bill, 2017
The Ministry
constituted a Group of Ministers across states to deliberate upon and propose
strategies for reducing road fatalities and to suggest actionable measures for
implementation. On the basis of recommendations of
the GoM, MoRTH introduced the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill
2016 in Parliament (Lok Sabha) on 9th August, 2016. The Bill
addresses road safety issues by providing for stiffer penalties, permitting
electronic enforcement, improving fitness certification and licensing regime,
statutory provisions for protection of good Samaritans and recognition of IT
enabled enforcement systems. The Bill also paves way for reforms in public
transport which in turn will help in improving road safety. The Bill contains
provisions for treatment of accident victims during golden hour which will help
in saving precious lives. The Bill also aims to simplify processes for the
citizens dealing with transport departments and usher in an era of transport
reforms in the country. The Bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha and has been
referred to the Select Committee of Rajya Sabha.
4. GREEN
INITIATIVES
4.1
Green Highways Division in NHAI
NHAI has set up a Green
Highways Division and has planted over
2.5 lakh trees planted last year in
order to make National Highways green, clean and pollution free.
4.2
Linking
of Construction of Highways with digging of Water Bodies in drought affected
areas
The requirement of earth work for the development of
National Highway network for embankments is met by the contractors/ concessionaires
through buying the earth from landowners or procuring the same through mining
of minor minerals as per the provisions laid down by the concerned State
Governments. Keeping in view that many parts of the country face drought
conditions and restoration of ponds, check dams, water tanks offers an age-old
system of water conservation/ ground water recharging, instructions have been issued
by the Ministry to the agencies responsible for construction of National
Highways to advise their contractors/ construction agencies through their field
officers to approach the concerned District Collectors/ Sub-collectors/ Water
Conservation Departments to obtain a list of any such villages/ rural areas
where de-siltation/ revival of existing ponds/ water bodies or digging of areas
for creation of new water bodies are required and procure the requisite soil for
road embankments by digging/ de-silting the existing village ponds/ water
bodies, subject to such soil being found suitable for the embankment purposes. This
arrangement would help in restoration of such dried-up water bodies without any
charge and the contractors will be able to source the requisite soil without
any payment.
4.3
Bridge
cum Barrage
The Ministry has sought
proposals from state PWDs for making bridge-cum-barrage on NHs so as to serve
the dual purpose of crossing the water body and storing water on the upstream/
down stream side to serve as water reservoirs/ ground water recharging bodies.
This will help better and optimum utilization of water for various purposes.
4.4
Swachhta
Pakhwada
Swachhta
Pakhwada was observed from 16th to 31st July, 2017 under
the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). The main focus was to accelerate the pace of
on-going Swachh Bharat Mission activities of construction of toilets and
provision of litter-bins at 371 NHAI Toll Plazas, and additional activities including
provision of temporary toilets and drinking water facilities at toll plazas,
cleaning of roads and drains, proper management of road construction sites,
removing litter etc.
4.5
Measures
undertaken to combat vehicular pollution:
(i)
Ministry has taken a landmark step
towards reducing the vehicular pollution. Emission norms for Tractors and
Construction Equipment vehicles have been notified for low Sulphur fuel, to be
implemented from 01st October, 2020.
(ii)
Ministry has also taken initiatives to
promote alternate fuels in vehicles. The Electric vehicles are being given a
big push by the Ministry. India’s first multi modal Electric Vehicle passenger
transport project was launched in Nagpur with integrated solution of buses,
taxis and E-Rickshaws.
(iii)
The E-Rickshaw, which has proved to be an
effective substitute for manual Rickshaws, has emerged as a cost effective,
environment friendly solution for improving last mile connectivity. These have
been exempted from the requirement of obtaining permits. This has created a
game changing scenario for promoting E-rickshaws. During the year to promote
last mile connectivity for metro passengers, 1000 number of E-Rickshaws were
launched at Gurugram, Haryana.
5.
E- INITIATIVES
5.1
Project
Monitoring Information System(PMIS)
A very effective Project Monitoring
Information System (PMIS) has been introduced for tracking the status of all
projects, preparation of reports and online upload of important project
documents like DPRs and contract documents, etc.
5.2
INAM-Pro+ launched
INAM-Pro+,
an upgraded version of INAM-Pro, was launched on 01 June 2017. More than 700
construction companies have used INAM-Pro during the last two years. With 37
Cement companies registered on it, the portal facilitated comparison of price,
availability of materials etc. and made it convenient for prospective buyers to
procure cement at reasonable rates in a transparent manner. INAM-Pro*, with
enhanced features will reduce the time and efforts in preparation of proposals
and bid submissions, and help increase efficiency and transparency in
procurement of construction materials as a user can now place orders, obtain
price quotes and track them in swift manner on this portal.
5.2
Bhoomi
Rashi, a web Utility for land acquisition
ln its attempt to move towards total e-governance
and avoid delays, this Ministry has developed a Web Utility for land
acquisition related processes including gazette notification. The web utility
would be linked with the e-gazette platform of the Ministry of Urban Development,
for e-publication of land acquisition related Gazette Notifications. The
affected/ interested parties would also be given an access to the system so as
to track the status of their acquired land and the CALA(s) in different states
are being taken on board to deposit the compensation amount in the respective
accounts of affected/ interested person
5.3
E-TOLLING
(i)
Implementation
of Hybrid ETC system
Electronic toll collection (ETC) system, the
flagship initiative of MoRT&H, has been implemented on pan-India basis in
order to remove bottlenecks and ensure seamless movement of traffic and
collection of user fee as per the notified rates, using passive Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) technology. Indian Highways Management Company Limited
(IHMCL), a Company registered under the Companies Act, has been incorporated
for working as implementing agency for ETC with National Payment Corporation of
India (NPCI) functioning as the Central Clearing House (CCH). 11 banks
(including Public and Private sector banks) have been engaged as issuer Banks
in order to issue FASTag to road users. A cashback of 7.5% is being offered for
the FY 2017-18 in order to incentivize road users for usage of FASTag. In
addition to FASTag, several other electronic means have also been employed to
enable road users for payment of user fees such as use of PoS machines for
collection of fees through Credit/ Debit cards, use of Pre-paid payment
instruments etc.
As on 1-12-2017, a
total of 7.7 lakh FASTag units are being used by road users. User fees
collected through FASTag has also seen significant growth in terms of user fees
collected and the penetration has increased from 179.1 Cr with 11.2%
penetration in January 2017 to 285.3Cr with 18.5% penetration in the month of
November 2017.
(ii)
Other
Initiatives
(a) In
order to further augment the services provided to FASTag users, all the lanes
at the fee plazas are being converted to Hybrid lanes with one dedicated lane
on either side, exclusively for FASTag users. This is to be completed by
31.03.2018.
(b) All
new vehicles of class M and N being sold after 1-Dec-2017 will be affixed with
FASTag by the vehicle manufacturer or the authorized dealer, in order to
enhance the penetration and usage of FASTg among road users.
5.4 Transport MMP:
A successful and ambitious e-Governance Project
Transport Mission Mode Project, driven by Ministry
of Road Transport & Highways, has successfully automated RTO operations,
set up a consolidated nation-wise transport database and has launched a host of
citizen and trade-centric applications – contributing greatly towards the
e-Governance initiative of the country under Digital India Program. The salient
aspects of this project are as under:
v
Two Flagship Applications under
Transport MMP – Vahan and Sarathi Vahan deals with Vehicle Registration,
Taxation, Permit, Fitness and associated services while Sarathi is related to
Driving License, Learner License, Driving Schools and related activities
v
Implemented in 1000+ RTOs across 33
States/UTs – with state-specific rules, tax structures
v
Key users – RTOs, Govt, Police, Banks,
Insurance, Citizens, Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers
v
Country-wide data consolidated in
National Register – updated through periodic replication
v
More than 19 crore Vehicle, 10 crore
Driving License Records in the National Register
v
Portal/ API based Data access provided
to Govt. Agencies, Security forces, Banks & Insurance
v
Vehicle and License search option to
Citizen through Portal/ SMS/ Mobile app
v
Host of online G-B and G-C applications
implemented at national and state levels
v
More than 50 Lakh National Permits
issued to Goods Vehicles through Online National Permit Portal
v
Homologation (Approval) Portal for Model
Certification and Inventory Management for Manufacturers
v
More than Rs. 10000 crores taxes
collected by States online.
5.5
New
Initiatives
v
Centralized, web-enabled Vahan and Sarathi
version 4 (fully integrated online services) launched to replace current
distributions
v
Multi-tenant deployment under NIC Cloud;
High security, availability and data integrity
v
To enhance quality of citizen
facilities, reduce/eliminate RTO visits, increase transparency
v
More than 600 RTOs across 15 states
already migrated to the new system; rest to follow soon.
v
Integration with multiple Payment
Gateways, IRDA, NCRB, CSC, SMS, Open API
v
Integration with Aadhaar for biometric
authentication and eKYC; Integration with Digilocker
v
Features dashboards, smart card,
document upload, online scheduling, configurable workflow
v
Online Dealer Point Application with
integration with Vehicle Manufacturers’ inventory
v
Online Fancy Number application with
e-auction and e-bidding facility
v
Complete range of online services
related to Licensing, Tax Payment, transaction requests
v
System-based, Multi-lingual knowledge
test for Learner License with advanced security options
v
Mobile app e-Challan and
m-Parivahan
– developed for comprehensive enforcement solution
v
Convenient, cost-effective, and
practical solution with latest features and state-specific options
v
E-Challan being launched in multiple
states by both Transport Enforcement and Traffic Police
v
mParivahan
App - for information and comprehensive services to citizen
v
Major feature will be virtual documents
like Driving Licence, Registration Certificate, Permits etc – as authorized
soft copy
v
Virtual DL/RC can replace physical
document/card with encrypted QR Code for authentication
v
Vision to bring transformational
improvements in Transport Sector to facilitate citizens
6. INTERNATIONAL
PARTNERSHIPS
6.1
MoU
between India and Nepal
A
MoU between India and Nepal for laying down implementation arrangement on cost
sharing, schedules and safeguard issues for construction of a new Bridge over
River Mechi at Indo-Nepal Border at an estimated cost of Rs.158.65 crores has
been signed in August 2017. This will be funded by Government of India through an
ADB loan. The new bridge is part of up-gradation of the Kakarvitta (Nepal) to
Panitanki Bypass (India) on NH 327B, covering a length of 1500 mtrs. including
a 6-lane approach road of 825 mtrs. Mechi Bridge is the end-point of Asian
Highway 02 in India leading to Nepal and provides critical connectivity to
Nepal.
6.2
MoU
between India and United Arab Emirates (UAE)
To
foster Bilateral Cooperation in the Road Transport & Highways sector, a MoU
was signed in January, 2017 during the visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to
India during the Republic Day Celebrations, 2017. The MoU envisages
cooperation, exchange and collaboration between India and UAE for promoting
increased investment in infrastructure development and logistics efficiency. A
Joint Working Group (JWG) has been formed under the MoU from both the sides.
6.3
Motor
Vehicles Agreement (MVA) between India and Afghanistan
A
Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) for regulation of passenger, personal and cargo
vehicular traffic between India and Afghanistan was signed in September, 2017
for enhanced regional connectivity through road transport and for promoting
cross-border road transportation for increased trade with Afghanistan via the
land route.
6.4
IMT
Friendship Motor Rally-II, 2017
India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Friendship Motor Rally-II, 2017, supported
by MoRTH from Guwahati to Bangkok, was organized jointly by Kalinga Motor
Sports Club (KMSC), Bhubaneswar and Mahindra Adventure, Mumbai. The Rally
started from Guwahati, India on 24.11.2017 and proceeded through Myanmar to
reach at Bangkok, Thailand on 03.12.2017 covering a distance of about 5000 kms to
return to Guwahati on 22.12.2017. The essence of the event was to propagate IMT
Motor Vehicle Agreement and the Governments initiative along the planned route.
6.5
Co-operation
Framework Agreement between IAHE, India and IFEER, Morocco
A Cooperation Framework Agreement between Indian Academy of Highway
Engineers (IAHE), India and Institute of Training in Engines and Road
Maintenance (IFEER), Morocco IAHE, Noida has been signed on 14.12.2017 during
the visit of Moroccan Delegation led by Mr. Abdelkader Amara, Hon’ble Minister
of Equipment, Transport, Logistics and Water of the Kingdom of Morocco to
Delhi. The Agreement envisages bilateral cooperation in the field of training
in Engines and Road Maintenance of Moroccan Engineers.
7. OTHERS
7.1 Wayside
Amenities
The National Highways Authority of India
has started the process of developing wayside amenities at land acquired at 183
locations along side the national highways and has called for private
participation for the same. The amenities will provide rest and
refreshment for highway commuters during their journey. There would be
parking for cars, buses and trucks, restaurant/ food court, dhaba, fuel
station, minor repair shop, rest rooms for passengers, dormitories for drivers,
kiosks for sale of miscellaneous sundry items etc at these sites. The
facilities having an area more than 5 acres will be developed under the brand
name “HIGHWAY VILLAGE” and facilities on smaller area less than 5 Acres will be
developed with brand name “HIGHWAY NEST.
7.2
Red
Beacon Lights:
With a view
to strengthen healthy democratic values in the country, MORTH notified to do
away with beacons of all kinds atop all categories of vehicles in the country
except those connected with emergency, operation & relief services, etc .
7.3
Measures
undertaken to Check Air Pollution in Delhi NCR Region
Directions have been issued to Project Directors, Contractors and field level
officials working on highway projects around Delhi to take measures to check
pollution arising from the construction work. The steps to be taken include
sprinkling water at all construction sites and camps, covering of dumpers
transporting the construction material/ waste including fly ash in the region,
covering of exposed soil at the sites, paving/ greening the earthen shoulders
and use of mechanised brooming of these road stretches. PDs have been directed
to inspect the construction sites regularly to ensure that all pollution
control measures are strctly complied with. Additionally, tight targets have
been set for the completion of Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways
around Delhi. Once the two peripheral expressways are ready, vehicles destined
for neighbouring states will be able to bypass Delhi and this will reduce
vehicular pollution in Delhi to a large extent.
*****
NP/MS