IV. ROADS & BRIDGES

32. The Working Group on road development in its report has proposed an outlay of
    
    Rs.3522.85 crores for the Tenth Five Year Plan, the details of which are shown in Table-5.
    

Table - 5
Ninth Plan Outlay and Working Group's projection for Tenth Plan

Sub Sector	Ninth Plan		Tenth Plan		Total Amount proposed by the Working Group
	Outlay	Expenditure (Anticipated)	Spill Over pending bills to Tenth Plan	Requirement for New Scheme
PWD (Roads & Bridges)	43450.00	79402.66	42785.00	280850.00	323635.00
PWD (National Highway)	1550.00	1138.56	400.00	28250.00	28650.00
Total	45000.00	80541.22	43185.00	309100.00	352285.00

33. Even though Kerala is having a good network of roads connecting all the villages, the quality of many stretches remains poor. There are 75 bridges which requires renovation. Major emphasis to be given in the Tenth Plan is the improvement of the existing roads rather than construction of new roads. The present growth in traffic ranges from 10 to 11% per annum. The Department may adapt new technologies in the construction in order to have a comparatively longer life and availability.

34. As on 30.9.2001, Rs.342.34 crores is pending to be paid to the contractors by the Department. The budgetary allocation of the road sector in the past has been quite insufficient to meet the growing needs of the sector and the position is not likely to be much better in the Tenth Plan also. The Plan Committee suggests that construction of new roads and bridges may be tried on BOT basis on a selective basis. The construction of fly overs or subways can be considered in areas where there is traffic congestion. Road safety measures are to be given due importance considering the present rate of accidents. This conditions of the roads in the State leave much to be desired. This in a great measure is due to inadequate design of the road, poor drainage, and perhaps to spreading the limited resources too thinly over a large network. High standards of roads construction and maintenance should be enforced and contractors held accountable for the quality of the road surface for a stipulated period.

35. An outlay of Rs.2096 crores is recommended for development of the roads and bridges details of which may be seen in Annexure 2. Priority is to be given for strengthening/replacement of weak bridges. Department should identify and furnish a priority list with details such as year of construction, balance life needed repairs etc. This sector is also capable of attracting private participation, especially in the construction of bridges, city bye passes etc. provided Government can ensure the creation and enforcement of the necessary regulatory environment. Suitable incentives to private participation should be evolved as this is an area which private sector may not find very attractive in the absence of incentives.