Approved for Rs 3684.98 crore but subcontracted for Rs 795 crore; PAC with worrying findings about Kadampattukonam-Kazhakkoottam road

NEW DELHI: The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament has found a huge difference between the amount approved by the government and the actual cost of construction of National Highway 66 in Kerala. The Kadampattukonam-Kazhakkoottam Reach, which was approved for Rs 3684.98 crore, was subcontracted for Rs 795 crore (about 22% of the approved amount).

It was also found that only 54% of the allocated amount is being spent on all 20 packages of National Highway-66. The interim report submitted to the Lok Sabha yesterday said that such a huge difference is worrying. The committee doubts whether the projects are being implemented as stated in the DPR. Subcontracting at low cost can lead to delay in work, poor quality and lack of accountability. Subcontractors should be properly monitored. Subcontracting should be discouraged. If more subcontracting is required, the approval of the National Highways Authority should be ensured. Subcontractors should be blacklisted for delays, safety issues, and poor quality.

Reducing to 45 meters is a problem

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Secretary informed the PAC that the construction of National Highway-66 in Kerala was limited to 45 meters, which is a challenge in hilly areas and other areas. The Secretary also explained that sufficient space will be available for the carriageway, service road, drainage and utilities only if a 60-meter wide area is taken. Careful planning and execution are required in densely populated and environmentally sensitive areas. Carrying out construction without disrupting existing traffic is also a challenge. The authority gave in to the government's insistence, considering the opposition of the people, even though the minimum standard required for a six-lane highway is 60 meters.

No additional fee in Paliyekkara

The National Highways Authority also informed the committee that no additional toll fee has been collected at the Paliyekkara User Fee Plaza. The toll is collected as per the contract. Although the contractor was fined Rs 2387 crore for not completing the construction, the matter is in court.