In reply to a question by senior BJD leader Narendra Kumar Swain in the Rajya Sabha, Minister for Road Transport Mansukh l Mandaviya replied in the House on July 24 that construction of coastal highways will however start soon after the completion of 90 per cent of acquisition of land, including private and forest land.
The Minister informed that the preparation of DPR from Chhatrapur (extended to Gopalpur) to Ratanpur has been assigned to M/s Chaitanya Projects Consultancy Pvt. ltd. and from Ratanpur to Digha has been assigned to M/s Aarvee Associates Pvt. ltd.
In clarifying to Swain’s further query as to what steps had been taken so far since the Centre had proposed the project since June 2015, Mandaviya said that the consultants had commenced their services for preparation of DPR since 2016.
After preliminary survey, the proposed alignment of the stretch of road has been shared with the State Government in a meeting held on September 3, 2016 which has been agreed in-principle by the State Government. Subsequently, the same was approved in-principle by the competent authority of the National Highways Authority of India, the Minister confirmed.
In clarifying the present position to Swain, the Minister added that accordingly, a detailed survey of the stretch on the approved alignment has been undertaken by both the consultants. Field investigation and survey works have been substantially completed for the proposed stretch. The feasibility report for Ratanpur to Digha section has been received and same in respect of Gopalpur to Ratanpur is under preparation. The project will involve acquisition of huge area of private land/forest land apart from existing land under State Government, the Minister informed. The Minister hoped that the land acquisition will be commenced after approval of DPR. Finally, replying about the period of commencement of the highways, the Minister promised that after availability of at least 90 per cent of land, the project will be commenced.