Centre committed to develop road network in Arunachal: Union Minister Mansukh Mandavi
The Centre is committed to develop road infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh and attaching priority to it, Union Minister Mansukh L Mandaviya said in Itanagar on September 13. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is clear that East and West should develop equally without discrimination and accordingly being a minister, who hails from extreme western part of the country (Gujarat), I am here in the extreme eastern part to assess the progress of road development,” he told reporters. The Minister of State for Chemical & Fertilizers, Road Transport & Highways and Shipping has arrived in Itanagar on September 12 to launch the ambitious ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana’. He launched another ‘Jan Aushadhi Store’ at Ziro in Lower Subansiri district and inspected the Pappu-Yupia-Hoj-Potin stretch of NH 713A which had severely been damaged by landslides. The stretch of the highway has been widened to two lane by the Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Ministry at a cost of Rs 450 crore. The work was substantially completed in March last but due to heavy rain since April this year that triggered landslides,the road was damaged at about 30 to 35 spots. Expressing serious concern over the condition of the road,he suggested that long term measures, hill side protection measures need to be undertaken with the input and guidance of expert agencies so that road damages could be minimised. “I have directed the state PWD officials to prepare estimate and submit to the ministry in a week’s time for necessary repair and maintenance of the 50-km stretch of NH13 between Potin and Ziro,” he said. Earlier at Ziro, Mandaviya announced an amount of Rs 10 crore for maintenance of Potin to Bopi stretch of road in Itanagar. “This stretch of the road (Potin to Bopi) needs immediate maintenance. So while the land acquisition for TAH is under process, the road needs to be maintained and kept motorable,”he said announcing Rs 10 crore for the maintenance work. Mandaviya also directed the Western Highway Zone regional manager to submit the DPR for the maintenance to his ministry at the earliest for release of the announced amount. He said the NDA government at the Centre is committed to construct five lakh km of national highways in the country in five years. “At present 16 km of NH are being constructed per day in the country and we are planning to increase it to 20 km per day,” he said, adding out of total 2,570 km length of national highway in Arunachal, 653 km have been completed while 1917 km of NH are under progress. “With improved highway infrastructure in the state, development process will be accelerated,” he said, adding the Centre is contemplating to convert one lakh state highways into national highways in five years. Terming Arunachal as a “beautiful” state, the Union Minister said the state with innumerable potential in horticulture, agriculture and tourism sector could be a developed state in future. “Arunachal could be transformed to a major tourism destination of the country and for this, improvement of road infrastructure has been taken up by my ministry,” he said, adding the ministry would soon formulate a policy by which roads in hill states could be protected by using international standard technology. When asked about the proposed 2000-km long road from Tawang to Vijaynagar along the international border, Mandaviya said though the road was sanctioned but there remained major hindrance in land acquisition which is a state subject. On the proposed East-West Industrial corridor from Brahmakund to Ruksin, he said the road was under “active consideration” of the Centre. When his attention was drawn on the vast resources of medicinal plants in the state which are yet to be explored, Mandaviya assured to apprise the AYUSH Ministry to do extensive research on the available plants besides setting up Ayurvedic institutes in the state. The union minister also asked Chief Secretary Shakuntala Gamlin, who was also present on the occasion, to prepare a list of potential sectors in the state and send to the Centre so that necessary schemes could be formulated. Charley Taylor Womens Jersey
National highways to turn ‘no advertisement’ zones
India’s highways will become no advertising zones as the government has ordered the removal of all advertisement hoardings across the length and breadth of national highways. According to an order issued last week by the road transport and highways ministry, no hoarding will be allowed on the right of the way on national highways. The right of way also includes the 10-metre of land strip on both sides of the highway that runs along the length. India has a national highway network of one lakh km which the government has planned to double in the next four years. The ministry has formed a special team that would work on the removal of hoardings by prioritising the highways that have maximum congestion. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been tasked with the inspection of all highways on immediate basis. “It has been decided that the regional and liasoning officers within their jurisdiction will inspect the NHs (national highways) by prioritising heavily trafficked NHs and other NHs in stages and submit inspection reports to the ministry for further necessary action,” the government said. The ministry feels that advertisements cause distraction which often leads to accidents. An internal study conducted by the ministry has focused on the need to remove huge hoardings, a move which is in line with international practice. The government is working on a national roadmap to reduce the number of road accidents in India. The country has over five lakh road accidents every year on the NHs in which over 1.5 lakh people are killed. A target to reduce road deaths by half by 2020 has been set by Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. The roads ministry has also launched Pradhan Mantra Surakshit Sadak Yojana with a corpus of Rs 2,000 crore to fix the black spots on highways where accidents occur regularly. Drew Brees Authentic Jersey
NHAI moves to address concerns over new hybrid model: Sources
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has moved to address concerns of lenders over its new hybrid annuity model (HAM) that it unveiled recently to push the pace of highway construction in India. Sources have told CNBC-TV18 the highways authority may move in a month or two to address concerns raised by lenders over various aspects of the agreement of such projects such as low level of compensations in case of project delays or cancellation, limited promoter equity etc. The NHAI had awarded 11 projects as of March 31, 2016 but lenders had been hesitant to fund such projects. Sources now say that one project under hand has already attained financial closure that is the Delhi-Meerut Expressway package-1 by Welspun Enterprises. Two other projects which are likely to attain financial closures are Meerut-Bulandshahar National Highway and Delhi-Meerut Expressway package-3. Marc Staal Jersey
NGT nod awaited for new bridges on Yamuna; rehabilitation of 500 slums hangs fire
Approval of National Green Tribunal (NGT) to build two bridges on the Yamuna, providing 34 hectares land to Delhi forest department for compensatory afforestation and rehabilitation of 500-odd slums are some of the hurdles that NHAI has to overcome before work can even start on the first part of this corridor. The foundation stone for this ambitious 50-km project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December.For fast execution, the government had divided it into three parts. So far, NHAI has awarded work for the first (Nizamuddin Bridge to Delhi border) and the third (Dasna to Hapur) parts. The successful bidders have tied up funds. However, NHAI is struggling to bid out the second part -Delhi border to Dasna -which is the most congested portion. “The lowest bidder had quoted very high cost and it could not be accepted. So, we have re-tendered the package,” an NHAI official said. To expand the existing highway in the Delhi portion, NHAI has to construct two bridges, one on each side of the existing two bridges on Yamuna. Sources told TOI that a 2014 NGT order restricts any construction on Yamuna floodplains without its approval. “We have got the study completed by IIT-Roorkee and environment impact assessment has also been done. We will submit them to NGT’s expert committee,” an official said. The second issue is cutting down nearly 3,500 trees. Since Delhi has a special Act, NHAI has to provide 35 hectares for compensatory afforestation and also has to pay for plantation of 10 trees for each tree cut. Sources said NHAI is in talks with DDA to get the required land and a solution is likely by next month. The third hurdle is rehabilitation of about 500 slums along the existing highway near Patparganj. Chris Godwin Authentic Jersey
Nitin Gadkari lays foundation stones for new underpasses, flyovers in Gurugram
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday laid foundation stones for the construction of new underpasses and flyovers in gurugram. The function was organised at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in gurugram where Gadkari and Khattar addressed a public gathering. Foundation stones for the improvement and construction of new underpasses, flyovers at Rajiv Chowk, Rao Tula Ram Chowk (Signature Tower) and IFFCO Chowk on Delhi-gurugram Expressway was laid — the projects costing Rs 1,005 crore. Union Minister for State and MP from gurugram Rao Inderjeet Singh and Haryana PWD Minister Rao Narbir Singh were also present. The ground breaking ceremony for four-laning of the 70.178 km long Jind (Haryana)-Punjab border, a section of National Highway 71, costing Rs 1,069 crore in the state of Haryana, was also performed at Jind mini bypass. The projects in gurugram will be completed in a record time of 15 months, an official said. Ryan Goins Authentic Jersey
Ownership transfer is the new normal in infra deals
Transactions that involve the transfer of a controlling stake are increasingly becoming the norm in the infrastructure sector as short-term or private equity (PE) investors get replaced by long-term buyers. At least three-fourths of total deals by value so far in 2016 have constituted a change in ownership, showed data from Equirus Capital Pvt. Ltd, an investment bank. In comparison, less than half the transactions in 2015 involved transfer of control. This trend is in sharp contrast to over five years ago when PE firms were leading transactions and were also willing to invest in a large number of greenfield and under-construction projects. “One of the major avenues for promoters in infrastructure today to obtain liquidity is by selling their operational assets because minority PE investors have vanished from the infrastructure space,” said Ashish Agarwal, director, infrastructure, Equirus Capital. “Investors in infra today want to buy majority stake and hold operating assets and cash flows, which is why M&A (merger and acquisition) is driving the market.” Deals that involved a change in control of assets across roads, power, renewable energy and construction sectors totalled $2.5 billion this year, more than three-fourths the $3.3 billion total deal value, according to Equirus data. For asset owners, trying to exit their mature special purpose vehicles (SPVs), ceding control is the only available option, said Y.D. Murthy, executive vice-president of finance at Hyderabad-based construction and infrastructure firm NCC Ltd. After selling its stake in a 1,320 megawatts (MW) power project to Sembcorp Utilities Pte Ltd and its 51% stake in Western UP Tollways to I Squared Capital-backed Cube Highways and Infrastructure Pte Ltd earlier in 2016, NCC is now in advanced discussions for selling its Bangalore Elevated Tollway highway road project to asset manager IDFC Alternatives, Murthy said. The stress in the balance sheets of infrastructure companies from factors such as delayed projects and land acquisition problems also makes it difficult for them to raise fresh capital. “Most assets are distressed. In that kind of a scenario, M&A seems to be the only option for companies to monetize,” said Vikas Khemani, president and chief executive officer at Edelweiss Securities Ltd. The number of such deals is only set to rise as Indian infrastructure firms continue their struggle with project delays and rising debt. Many have also been hurt by a mismatch in demand estimates, which have not grown as much as anticipated at the start of the project. Naturally, dozens of assets across roads, power and renewable energy, and several others across ports and airports continue to be on the block in the hope of securing attractive valuations, according to multiple people aware of ongoing discussions. Funds such as US-based I Squared Capital, Indian asset manager IDFC Alternatives’ infrastructure fund, Canada’s Brookfield Asset Management and Macquarie Group are among active infrastructure-focused financial investors who have invested in the sector and are looking to buy assets across roads, thermal power and renewable energy to build their own portfolio in India. This new breed of financial buyers, who have a low cost of capital and are willing to buy out 100% in operational projects, provide an avenue for private sector firms to unlock value from existing assets. In August, road developer IL&FS Transportation Networks Ltd agreed to sell its road project in Andhra Pradesh to Cube Highways for Rs140.37 crore. Earlier in May, ITNL sold an additional 15% stake?in?its?Gujarat?road project to Australia’s Macquarie Group Ltd for Rs109.8 crore. Deals, however, are taking longer to close and there are only a handful of serious financial buyers, said Santosh Yellapu, an analyst at Angel Broking. “It’s a buyers’ market, with a lot of assets to choose from.” While PE investors have stayed away from investing in asset-heavy roads or power sectors in the past two years, their interest in the renewable energy sector is on the rise. So far in 2016, three PE deals totalling $393 million have been announced in the renewables sector by investors, including Piramal Enterprises Ltd, along with Dutch pension fund APG Asset Management, GE Capital, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and Singapore’s GIC. Only one PE transaction took place in the roads sector, where Goldman Sachs agreed to invest $220 million in Essel Highways Ltd in a structured financing deal. Steve Yzerman Womens Jersey
Half of NHAI’s 600 contracts disputed, chief seeks remedy
With the highway authority finding half of its 600 contracts in the last 10 years locked in disputes, its chairman has exhorted National Highways Authority of India officials to take a leaf off private developers to see how they can minimize such legal challenges. NHAI chairman Raghav Chandra was referring to the fact that private developers have been more nimble in strengthening their legal cells unlike the highway authority. NHAI has 123 cases for a claim amount of more than Rs 25,000 crore pending before arbitration tribunals. Another 30 cases involving disputed amounts of Rs 14,500 crore are pending before its internal dispute resolution committees. There are also over 2,000 cases that are pending before different high courts and the Supreme Court. Nearly 43,000 cases, mostly related to land acquisition, are pending in different lower courts across the country. “It’s a mammoth task as the number of litigations is increasing. We have to find ways to minimize them at every level from the field officers to those sitting at the headquarters,” said an NHAI official. Speaking at the inauguration of a conference organised by the highway authority , Chandra said disputes in highway projects should be resolved expeditiously and ideally always on the ground. “The fewer the disputes, the faster they are resolved, the better the governance,” he said. Cameron Payne Womens Jersey
New highway to cover Delhi-Jaipur in just two hours: Nitin Gadkari
Union minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari today said a new access control highway would be constructed between Delhi and Jaipur which would reduce the travel time between the cities to just two hours. The 270-km distance takes over six hours by road now. The Minister also said an “intelligent transport” system – with CCTV cameras installed to monitor the traffic rule violators – would be put in place on NH-8. Speaking after laying the foundation stone for improvement work on three junctions on NH-8, at an estimated cost of Rs 1,005 crore, Gadkari said the work would be completed in 15 months instead of the originally planned 30. Referring to the new Delhi-Jaipur access control highway, Gadkari said the project would cost Rs 16,000 crore and work on it will be started in January, 2017. The land acquisition process for the new highway would be started soon. On plans to ensure seamless traffic flow on NH-8, he said work on the flyover at IMT Manesar Chowk would be completed soon. He said four underpasses and as many flyovers would be constructed to make the traffic movement seamless. Gadkari said work on the Dwarka Expressway had commenced and it would be completed soon. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar urged him to get the 1.75-km stretch of this expressway, which falls in Delhi area, done quickly. Gadkari said the junction near Ambience Mall would also be improved. In addition, he assured to start construction work on the Manesar-Gurgaon bye-pass in near future. The pilot project of Metrino System between Dhaula Kuan in Delhi and Manesar had been cleared and work would be started soon, he said. Gurgaon MP and Union Planning, Urban Development, Housing and Poverty Alleviation Minister, Rao Inderjeet Singh demanded waiving of the toll charges for the residents of Gurgaon at Kherki Daula Toll Plaza on the pattern of Gujarat. Derek Forbort Authentic Jersey
NHAI to inject Rs 500 crore more into widening of Jaipur-Gurgaon stretch of NH-8
To complete the long-delayed widening of Jaipur-Gurgaon stretch of National Highway 8 (NH-8), the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is planning to make a one-time infusion of Rs 500 crore. The fresh injection of funds is expected from the Centre as onetime financial assistance given for completing selected projects. “The developer, Pink City Expressway Pvt Ltd (PCEPL), is facing shortage of funds. The proposal is under consideration of the Centre,” said a NHAI official. A meeting of a consortium of 14 banks was called by Union minister Nitin Gadkari and officials from his ministry at the PMO to discuss the matter. “At present, construction work of around Rs 400 crore is pending.PCEPL still has to invest Rs 40 crore of its share, while the banks have a commitment of Rs 150 crore more. This will not cover the cost, forcing NHAI to invest,” the official added. However, the funding will be conditional. The NHAI will seek to recover its investment through toll collections. The banks have reluctantly agreed to the new proposal though it will reduce their returns on investment. “Banks will only get an interest of 3-5% instead of the 8-9% mooted earlier on money invested in the project. But it’s better than the project being stalled due to paucity of funds,” said the official. Work on this stretch began in April 2009 and 2011 was the original deadline for completing it. But even after missing the deadline by over five years, the six-laning work is still `progressing’. In 2013, to make the project financially viable, the board of 14 banks had approved restructuring of the project after NHAI delinked 17 structures planned for the highway. The scaling down was aimed to give the developer and banks some breathing space. It also came as a respite for the state gover nment as all the 17 points, where these structures were planned, had become contentious following protests over land acquisition. Dave Keon Womens Jersey
Huda to build roads along SPR to help avoid Kherki Daula, Vatika Chowk bottlenecks
With the proposed clover leaf on Delhi Gurgaon expressway to connect SPR and NPR still a few years away, Haryana Urban?Development Authority, Gurgaon, is planning to build master sector roads so that vehicles can bypass bottlenecks at Kherki Daula and Vatika Chowk. The urban authority has initiated steps to expedite the construction of the master sector road that will connect SPR with Delhi-Gurgaon expressway bypassing Kherki Daula toll plaza. The road starts from SPR, passes through the outer periphery of Sector 75A, Sector 76 and crosses between sector 75 and 76 to reach NH8. Speaking on the proposed plan, HUDA administrator Yashpal Yadav said land for this crucial master sector road has been acquired, and tender for construction is being prepared by engineering wing to ensure early construction. Currently, vehicles using SPR have to take the service lane of Delhi Gurgaon expressway, which is narrow, badly damaged and sees traffic from both sides leading to jams. “We have acquired land in sectors 75,75A, 76, 77 to build the master sector road and will take its possession by Wednesday. From SPR, the road goes towards Shikohpur, takes a right a few kilometres prior to the village and joins NH-8 opposite Sector 83. Commuters can either go towards Manesar or take a right and go towards Gurgaon from under the flyover,” Yadav said. HUDA officials believe that the development of this road can be completed in the next six months as acquisition has been completed and the tender is being prepared. Similarly, the authority has acquired pockets of land between sector 66 and 67, which will ensure the completion of master sector road starting from sector 59 to Sohna Road. “This road was also stuck due to a small parcel of land. Once completed, it will help vehicles moving on Golf Course extension road to avoid Vatika Chowk and Badhshapur village,” Yadav said. The oustees of the pockets will be awarded alternative plots and the remaining work done on priority, the official said. Apart from these two crucial roads, Huda also held a meeting to discuss the master sector roads, and other utilities in sectors 81 to 95. “We are fixing timelines to build roads, sewage and other utilities. The oustees of Rohtash ki Dhani have also been allotted plots and this will ensure connectivity between NPR and Manesar,” the Huda administrator said, adding that more than financial issues, it was the lack of administrative action that delayed the matter so long. Thomas Steen Womens Jersey