opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3909 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-23
Subject: Bridge on NH-45A
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Vaithilingam Ve.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3909 ANSWERED ON 23 RD  MARCH, 2023

## BRIDGE ON NH-45A

3909. SHRI VE. VAITHILINGAM:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the existing bridge over the railway crossing on National Highway (NH)-45A at Arumparthapuram, Puducherry is narrow and causing many fatal accidents;
- (b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to undertake the widening of this bridge to prevent accidents; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a)to(d)  The  approaches  to  the  Road  Over  Bridge  on  NH-45A  at Arumparthapuram, Puducherry are narrow.  The Road Over Bridge being in a heavily built-up area with narrow road width the same is leading to constraints  in  widening.    In  order  to  reduce  the  quantum  of  traffic crossing this Road Over Bridge, a new bypass is also being proposed by Government of Puducherry with their own funds.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3908 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-23
Subject: National Highway Projects
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Rajendra Dhedya  Gavit

## be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken specific steps to complete all ongoing National Highway (NH) projects within the stipulated period;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;

(c)whether  National  Highways  Authority  of  India  (NHAI)  proposes  to take up development of new NH projects in Maharashtra; and

- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3908

ANSWERED ON 23 rd MARCH, 2023

NATIONAL HIGHWAY PROJECTS

3908. SHRI RAJENDRA DHEDYA GAVIT:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्गमंत्री

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a) and (b) Yes Sir. The Ministry actively monitors National Highway (NH) projects  in  close  coordination  with  project  implementing  agencies, State Governments, contractors/developers. Periodic review meetings are held at various levels, and several steps have been taken to improve liquidity  of  funds  available  with  contractors/developers,  to  expedite progress. In addition, the Ministry has taken many initiatives to avoid or reduce  project delays, including streamlining land acquisition  & environment clearances, online approval of GAD of Railway ROBs/RUBs, revamping dispute resolution mechanism, premium re-scheduling, onetime fund infusion, etc.
- (c)  and  (d)  Yes  Sir.  National  Highways  Authority  of  India  (NHAI)  has awarded projects for the development of 274 km of NHs in Maharashtra during the current financial year, so far; and envisages to award another 676 km during the current and next financial year.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3905 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-23
Subject: Protection of Electronic Items at Airports
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: K. Jayakumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3905

(To be answered on the 23 rd  March 2023)

## PROTECTION OF ELECTRONIC ITEMS AT AIRPORTS

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

(a) whether the Government has taken note of the need to address the issue of passengers misplacing their electronic items during security checks around rush hours;

(b) if so, the details of the steps taken/proposed to be taken to address the same and if not, reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government is aware of the limitations of having X-ray scanners, especially leading to an increased waiting time for hand luggage; and

(d) If so, the details of the manner in which the said process is being made/proposed to be made less time consuming and if not, reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

3905.

DR. K. JAYAKUMAR

be pleased to state:-

(GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD))

- (a) & (b): Yes, Sir. Airports are equipped with robust CCTV surveillance network which is monitored by CISF. This helps tracking misplaced items. Also, there is Lost and Found system in place at the airports to extend support to passengers misplacing any item including electronic items during security checks.
- (c) & (d): In order to address the issue of time taken at security check, the number of X-ray machines are increased based on passenger load. To make passenger aware on security restricted items, proper signages are also put in place at airports.
- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3904 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-23
Subject: Passenger Service at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Gurjeet Singh Aujla

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3904 (To be answered on the 23 rd  March 2023)

## PASSENGER SERVICE AT SRI GURU RAM DASS JEE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AMRITSAR

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

3904.

SHRI GURJEET SINGH AUJLA

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether Airports Authority of India (AAI) has any service continuity plans/backup in place for convenience of the passengers when food and beverages, business class lounges, duty free shop service provider/operator close  the  service  abruptly  as  being  faced  at  Sri  Guru  Ram  Dass  Jee International  Airport,  Amritsar;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD))

- (a) to (c): As per the  policy, when a  service for convenience of passengers is closed abruptly by the service provider/operator, remedial action is initiated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to resume the service by inviting open tenders.

The placement of essential facilities such as Food and Beverages (F& B) is processed under contingency service with at least bare minimum outlets, for convenience of passengers on abrupt closure by the service provider.

Currently, there are five F&B licensed facilities (one with bar facility) available covering all locations of inside / outside of Terminal Building at Amritsar Airport. Additionally, Executive Lounge facility is also operational in Domestic terminal at Amritsar Airport.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3903 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-23
Subject: Utilisation of Funds
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS
Asked by: E. T. Mohammed Basheer

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3903

ANSWERED ON-23/03/2023

## UTILISATION OF FUNDS

3903. SHRI E.T. MOHAMMED BASHEER:

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that the funds allocated for implementation  of  various  projects/schemes  has  not  been  properly  used/utilized  despite repeated assurances;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the response of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a)  to  (c):   The Government  implements  various schemes  for  the  welfare and upliftment of every strata, including minorities, specially the economically weaker and lesser privileged sections  of  the society,  through  various schemes  of  the  Ministry  of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship,  Ministry  of Textiles,  Ministry  of Culture,  Ministry  of Women and Child Development and Ministry of Rural Development.

Ministry  of  Minority  Affairs  specifically implements various schemes  across  the  country for socioeconomic and educational empowerment of the six (6) centrally notified minority communities.  These schemes give representation to all weaker segments of society including  minorities.  Details  of  the  allocation  of    budget  for  the  Ministry  and  actual expenditureduring the last five years are given as under:

(Rs. in crore)

| Years   |   Budget estimates (BE) |   Revised Estimates (RE) | Actual Expenditure        |
|---------|-------------------------|--------------------------|---------------------------|
| 2017-18 |                 4195.48 |                  4195.48 | 4139.30                   |
| 2018-19 |                 4700    |                  4700    | 3853.01                   |
| 2019-20 |                 4700    |                  4700    | 4505.10                   |
| 2020-21 |                 5029    |                  4005    | 3998.56                   |
| 2021-22 |                 4810.77 |                  4346.45 | 4325.24                   |
| 2022-23 |                 5020.5  |                  2612.66 | 712.54 (up to 17.03.2023) |

The budget allocated to Ministry of Minority Affairs is sufficient for successful implementation of the schemes implemented by this Ministry.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3896 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-23
Subject: Implementation of PM-KUSUM in West Bengal
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: Khan Saumitra

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3896

ANSWERED ON 23.03.2023

## IMPLEMENTATION OF PM-KUSUM IN WEST BENGAL

## 3896. SHRI SAUMITRA KHAN

Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme is being implemented in the State of West Bengal;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)  the details of the installations of the decentralized ground mounted grid-connected renewable power plants, standalone solar-powered agriculture pumps and solarisation of grid-connected agriculture pumps supported so far under components A, B & C of the scheme across West Bengal especially in the Bishnupur Lok Sabha Constituency?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER

## (SHRI R.K. SINGH)

- (a) to (c) PM-KUSUM is a demand driven scheme and therefore capacities are allocated under the three components of the scheme based on demand received from the States/ UTs. Based on the demand received, entire target of 35 lakh pumps under Component-B and Component-C has been allocated under the Scheme, out of which, a total of 23,700 pumps have been allocated under Component-C (Individual Pump Solarization) of the Scheme to West Bengal State Electricity Distribution  Company  Limited  (WBSEDCL).  As  on  28.02.2023,  solarization  of  4  nos.  of agricultural pumps has been reported in the State.

So far, no installation is reported in Bishnupur Lok Sabha Constituency. Further, no demand has been received from the State of West Bengal for Component-A of the Scheme.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3895 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-23
Subject: Air Safety Norms
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Aparajita Sarangi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3895 (To be answered on the 23 rd  March 2023)

## AIR SAFETY NORMS

## 3895. SHRI APARAJITA SARANGI

## Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government conducts regular audits of all mid-air technical malfunctions that have increased emergency landings lately;
- (b) if so, the details of the outcome of the audits so conducted;
- (c) whether the Government has updated the air safety norms applicable to domestic and international flights and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government has implemented measures to increase the air traffic controllers and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the Government has setup a permanent committee to examine the grave incidents of compromise on passenger safety by airplane operators and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD))

(a)&(b) Technical snags are experienced during operation of aircraft. These may be due to improper functioning/ malfunctions of systems/ equipment/ components fitted on the aircraft, requiring emergency landing to avert serious incidents/ accidents. Since, January 2022 operating crew has declared emergency on 7 flights. Airline Operators take action to rectify the technical snags based on the guidance provided by the manufacturer before further operation of the aircraft. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), however, has a system of conducting regular surveillance to ensure that the operators meet the regulatory requirements and conducts special audits in case there is an increase in occurrences.

- (c) DGCA has laid down air safety norms for safe operation of aircraft which is revised as and when required, based on the Standard and Recommended Practises (SARPs) laid down by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Airline Operators are required to adhere to the amended regulations to ensure continuity of their approvals.
- (d) Yes Sir. Regular recruitment and training including augmentation in ATCO strength is undertaken to fulfil the manpower requirement for smooth and effective functioning of air navigation services across airports. The government has approved creation of additional 340 posts of ATCOs in Airports Authority of India (AAI) in May 2022. Since May 2020, the recruitment process of 761 posts of ATCOs has been completed by AAI.
- (e) Accidents and serious incidents involving aircraft are investigated by investigator in-

charge appointed by Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) or DGCA or the Central Government under the provisions of Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017 on case to case basis.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3891 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-23
Subject: Air Routes in the Country
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Mahabali Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3891

(To be answered on the 23 rd  March 2023)

## AIR ROUTES IN THE COUNTRY

## 3891. SHRI MAHABALI SINGH

## Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) the number and details of the cities which have been connected by air route for the convenience of travellers in the country and the number and details of cities where such work is in progress;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to connect Sasaram-Rohtas by air route in Bihar, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to complete the work on this well known old route; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD))

(a) to (d): With the repeal of Air Corporation Act in March 1994, the Indian domestic aviation was totally deregulated. Airlines are free to induct capacity with any aircraft type, free to select whatever markets and network they wish to service and operate with the compliance of Route Dispersal Guidelines (RDGs) issued by Government. Hence, it is up to the airline operator for introduction of air services to / from any airport in country depending on their operational & commercial viabilities.

Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) on 21.10.2016 to enhance regional air connectivity across the country from unserved and underserved airports in the country and making air travel affordable to the masses. UDAN is a market driven scheme. Interested airlines based on their assessment of demand on particular routes, submit their proposals at the time of bidding under UDAN. An airport which is included in the awarded routes of UDAN and requires upgradation  /  development  for  commencement  of  RCS  operations,  is developed  under  "Revival/upgradation  of  unserved  and  underserved airports/heliports/water aerodromes" Scheme. As on 28.02.2023, the Selected

Airline Operators (SAOs) have operationalized 469 routes connecting 74 (unserved/underserved)  airports  including  9  Heliports  &  2  Water Aerodromes. Sasaram, Bihar is not available in the list of unserved Airports in UDAN Scheme document. However, the airstrip may be included in the list on the request of the State Government of Bihar, as per the provisions of UDAN Scheme document.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3889 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-23
Subject: Accidents on NH-44
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Hasnain Masoodi

be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of road accidents and resultant deaths reported on SrinagarJammu NH-44 during the last one year;
- (b) the  number  of  days  NH-44  was  closed  down  due  to  landslides/harsh weather conditions during the said period, month-wise; (c) whether any trauma centres have been established near the accident prone areas on the said NH; (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; (e) the  steps  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  effectively  minimise  the incidents of road fatalities on the said NH; and to
- (f) whether any newly constructed tunnel has collapsed due environmental hazards on the said NH and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

Total no. of accidents in last year is 648 and total reported deaths is 93.

- (a)
- (b) Road  closures  due  to  landslide  normally   lasts  a  few  hours  only  as National  Highway  Authority  of  India  (NHAI)  has  deployed  quick  response teams at vulnerable locations to remove slides and normalise traffic at the earliest.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3889 ANSWERED ON 23 RD  MARCH, 2023

## ACCIDENTS ON NH-44

3889. SHRI HASNAIN MASOODI:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

(c)  &  (d)    Medical  aid  posts  have  been  constructed  by  NHAI  on  recently completed  projects  and  provision  has  also  been  made  for  construction  of Medical Aid Post in under construction projects. (e) In Jammu-Srinagar section of NH-44, out of 260 km length, 4- laning in about 210 km - including 10 tunnels in a length of 21.50 km - has already been completed. Work of 4- laning in balance 50 km including 6 tunnels (in 9.664 km length)  and  viaduct  (6.02  km)  is  under  progress,  which  is targeted  for completion by Aug, 2025. After completion of these tunnels and viaduct, the entire NH-44 will be mostly free from effect of landslides and all weather connectivity will be ensured between Jammu and Srinagar. As part of above 4- laning work and improvement of identified black spots, additional signages, road marking, rumble strips, crash barriers, lighting crash barriers as  well as  improvement  of  junction  etc.  have  been  provided  at  all critical identified  accident  prone  sections  for  ensuring  safety  of  road  users  and reducing the accident and fatalities. In addition to this, black spot rectifications works have also been undertaken at all identified stretches. (f) No such collapse of newly constructed tunnel has occurred. However, an under construction adit portal had collapsed due to landslide on 19.05.2022 at  Khooni  Nallah  location  on  Ramban-Banihal  Section  of  NH-44  causing casualty of 10 labourers.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3886 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-23
Subject: Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Achyutananda Samanta

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3886

TO BE ANSWERED ON MARCH 23, 2023

## BHUBANESWAR METRO RAIL PROJECT

NO. 3886.                  SHRI ACHYUTANANDA SAMANTA:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to provide financial support to  the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (d) the details of other measures being taken by the Government to support urban mobility in the State of Odisha?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI KAUSHAL KISHORE)

(a)  to  (d)  As  per  the  Metro  Rail  Policy,  2017  respective  State Government/Union  Territory  (UT)  is  responsible  for  initiating metro rail projects. The Central Government considers financial assistance  for such  projects in cities or  urban agglomerates, based on feasibility of the proposal and availability of resources, as and when posed by the concerned State Government/Union Territory (UT). The proposal for Metro Rail  Project  in  Bhubaneswar  has  not  been  received  from Government of Odisha.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has taken following policy initiatives to strengthen urban mobility in the country:-

(i)    National  Urban  Transport  Policy  (NUTP)  2006  which encourages  systematic  planning  of  urban  transport  system including    integrated  land  use  and  transport  planning  in  all cities so that travel distances could be minimized.

(ii)      National  Transit  Oriented  Development  (TOD)  policy  in May, 2017 to promote planned and sustainable urban centers with  high  density,  mixed  land-use  development.  The  policy aims  to  enable  transformation  of  cities  from  private  vehicle dependent development to public transport oriented development.

(iii)    Metro  Rail  Policy,  2017  for  systematic  planning  and implementation  of  metro  rail  systems  in  comprehensive  and sustainable  manners.  Central  Government  provides  Central financial assistance for metro rail projects as and when posed by concerned State Government.

(iv)    Urban  Transport Planning and Capacity Building Scheme to provide financial support for preparation of Comprehensive Mobility  Plans,  Detailed  Project  Reports,  Feasibility  Reports, Traffic and Transportation Studies to State Governments/UTs/Urban Local Bodies.

*****