Govt clears Rs 16,680-cr NHDP Phase VII

On Dec 6, government cleared development of road projects including construction of ring roads, bypasses and tunnels under Phase VII of National Highways Development Programme at a cost of Rs 16,680 crore. The total project would be executed on build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis. Of the total money, the government would fund Rs 6,302 crore and Rs 10,378 crore would be ensured through private sector participation, said the source. Under NHDP-VII, Rs 10,500 crore will be spent on constructions for 700 km of ring roads and bypasses and the remaining money would be utilised to construct grade separated intersections, road over-bridges, elevated roads, tunnels, underpasses and service roads. These constructions will improve traffic safety and ensure faster movement of vehicles with improved riding quality time. The works on stand-alone ring roads and bypasses are likely to be awarded by March 2011 and is to be completed by December 2014.