opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 751 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-07
Subject: Funds for NHAI Projects
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Bidyut Baran Mahato, Ranjeetsingh Naik Nimbalkar, Devji Mansingram Patel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 751 ANSWERED ON 7 TH  DECEMBER, 2023

## FUNDS FOR NHAI PROJECTS

751.  SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO:

SHRI RANJEETSINGH NAIK NIMBALKAR: SHRI DEVJI M. PATEL

Will the Minister of Road Transport and Highways

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) the funds allocated for National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) projects in Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Rajasthan; and
- (b) the actual utilization from the allocated funds for the said States?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) &(b) State-wise allocation of funds is not made to NHAI. The details of expenditure by NHAI during last three years in these states is attached at ANNEXURE.

## ANNEXURE

Details of expenditure by NHAI during the last three years for the projects in Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Rajasthan is as below:

| Year    | Details of expenditure/fund utilised   | Details of expenditure/fund utilised   | Details of expenditure/fund utilised   |
|---------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
|         | Jharkhand                              | Maharashtra                            | Rajasthan                              |
| 2020-21 | Rs 2,244.1 crore                       | Rs 11,399.7 crore                      | Rs 6,351.4 crore                       |
| 2021-22 | Rs 2,421.2 crore                       | Rs 12,456.4 crore                      | Rs 10,490.8 crore                      |
| 2022-23 | Rs 2,912.7 crore                       | Rs 14,982.0 crore                      | Rs 8,813.2 crore                       |
Lok Sabha Question No. 748 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-07
Subject: Terminal Building at Vijayawada Airport
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Srinivas Kesineni

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 748

(To be answered on the 7 th  December 2023)

## TERMINAL BUILDING AT VIJAYAWADA AIRPORT

## 748. SHRI KESINENI SRINIVAS

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

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

- (a): The construction of New Integrated Terminal Building and associated works has been taken up by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at a cost of Rs.611.80 crore at Vijayawada Airport. As on 31.10.2023, the physical progress of the project work is 40%.
- (b): The Probable Date of Completion of the project is in June, 2024.

(c): Yes, Sir. The delay in the project timeline is attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and unforeseen natural calamities like heavy rainfall and cyclones in the region.

- (d): Out of the total sanctioned cost of Rs.611.80 crore for the project, AAI has utilized an amount of Rs.224.46 crore as on 31.10.2023.

*****

be pleased to state:-

- (a) the details of the progress in construction of the Integrated Terminal Building at the Vijayawada Airport;
- (b) the details of the revised schedule for completion of the project;
- (c) whether the construction of the airport is behind schedule, if so, the
- reasons therefor; and
- (d) the details of the estimated project cost, the funds sanctioned and the
- funds utilized so far?
Lok Sabha Question No. 746 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-07
Subject: New Highway along Yamuna Expressway
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Sanjay Sadashivrao Mandlik, Sambhajirao Mane Dhairyasheel, Prataprao  Jadhav, Shrirang Appa Barne, Sudheer Gupta

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 746

ANSWERED ON 7 TH  DECEMBER 2023

## NEW HIGHWAY ALONG YAMUNA EXPRESSWAY

746.  SHRI SANJAY SADASHIVRAO MANDLIK:

SHRI DHAIRYASHEEL SAMBHAJIRAO MANE:

SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV:

SHRI SHRIRANG APPA BARNE:

SHRI SUDHEER GUPTA:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

## be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has given in-principle approval for construction of new National Highway along Yamuna Expressway from Chandigarh to Delhi;
- (b) if so, the details and the current status thereof;
- (c) whether the land acquisition process for the said National Highway has been completed and if so, the details thereof and if not, the time by which it is likely to be completed;
- (d) the amount of expenditure likely to be incurred on the said project and total   funds sanctioned and released by the Government so far;
- (e) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  construct  more  such  National Highways, connecting small cities to metro cities for swift travel from one place to another; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof, National Highway-wise?

## ANSWER

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

(a) No Sir.

(b) to (d)   Do not arise.

(e)  &  (f)    Development  of  National  Highways  for  the  improvement  of connectivities  between  important  places  is  a  continuous  process  and  the same  is  being  taken  up  under  various  schemes  of  the  Ministry  of  Road Transport & Highways.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 742 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-07
Subject: Inter-State Connectivity in Wayanad
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Rahul Gandhi

## be pleased to state:

- (a) the initiatives being taken to improve inter-State connectivity in Wayanad parliamentary constituency;
- (b) the  status  of  the  projects  taken  up  under  Phase-I  of  the  Bharatmala Pariyojana in Wayanad parliamentary constituency;
- (c) the details of the projects proposed to be taken up under the Bharatmala Pariyojana not covered in Phase-I in Wayanad parliamentary constituency;
- (d) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  develop  ropeways  and  alternate mobility solutions in Wayanad parliamentary constituency and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the Government has received any proposal from the Government of  Kerala  for  an  alternate  route/bypass  for  the  Ghat  section  from Thamarassery to Kalpetta and if so, the details thereof and the status of the proposal?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)      NH  Corridor  of  NH  766  connecting  Kozhikode  to  Kollagal  (Mysore)  is passing  through  Wayanad  Parliamentary  constituency  in  Kerala.  Capacity augmentation to 2-lane with paved shoulders from km 40.00 (Puthupady) to Km 117.600  (Muthana)  of  NH-766  has  been  taken  up  for  which  Ministry  has sanctioned Rs.214.88 Crore for Land Acquisition process. Greenfield alignment from  Kerala/Karnataka  Border  (Kutta)  to  Purakkattiri  (Kozhikode)  has  been finalised which is also passing through Wayanad Parliamentary constituency.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 742 ANSWERED ON 7 TH  DECEMBER, 2023

## INTER-STATE CONNECTIVITY IN WAYANAD

## 742.  SHRI RAHUL GANDHI:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

(b) & (c)     No proposals under Phase-I of the Bharatmala Pariyojana have been taken up in the Wayanad Parliamentary constituency. (d)      Yes  Sir,  National  Highways  Logistics  Management  Limited  (NHLML), 100%  owned  Company  of  NHAI has been mandated  by  MoRT&H  for development of ropeways in the Country. NHLML has received one ropeway proposal from Adivaram to Lakidi in Wayanad Parliamentary constituency. (e)     No Sir.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 741 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-07
Subject: Collapsed Tunnel
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: K. Subbarayan, T. R. Paarivendhar

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 741

## ANSWERED ON 7 TH   DECEMBER, 2023

## COLLAPSED TUNNEL

## 741.    SHRI SUBBARAYAN K:

DR. T. R. PAARIVENDHAR:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

## be pleased to state:

- (a)   Whether it is true that around 40 labourers trapped under collapsed tunnel which is under construction between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway in Uttarkashi district on November 14, 2023 and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)   The  action/steps  taken  by  the  Union  Government  to  rescue  40 labourers trapped under the said tunnel;
- (c)  whether the Government has any proposal to use any alternative measures/techniques for tunnel construction to avoid such disorders in future, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d)   whether any inquiry has been  conducted  into  the accident regarding alleged negligence by the company executing the project; and
- (e)   if so, the details and the outcome thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  Yes,  Sir.  On  12 th   November  2023  at  around  05:30  AM,  a  collapse occurred  in  the  under-construction  tunnel  from  Silkyara  to  Barkot, wherein debris fell in around 60 mtr. stretch near the Silkyara portal entrance and 41 workers were trapped inside the tunnel.
- (b)     Rescue  operation  taken  as  per  National  Disaster  Management Framework. In a 'whole of Govt.' approach where Central Govt., State Govt.,  Defence  and  various  PSUs/Private  agencies  including  foreign

experts  were  involved  and  assigned  specific  responsibilities  in  a synchronised and co-ordinated manner and was closely monitored at the highest level of the Govt.

Govt. ensured regular supply of oxygen, power, communication, food items, water and essential items like toothpaste, toothbrush, undergarments,  towels,  socks,  woollen  inners,  etc  to  the  stranded workers  during  the  operation.  Regular  medical  advice  for  food, nutrition, medicines and Psychiatric consultation was also provided to the  stranded  workers.  All  the  41  workers  were  safely  rescued  on 28.11.2023.

(c) to (e)           Govt.  has  constituted an Expert Enquiry Committee to investigate the causes of the incident.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 740 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-07
Subject: Affordable Air Travel
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Pushpendra Singh Chandel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## Lok Sabha

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 740

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  7th December 2023 )

## AFFORDABLE AIR TRAVEL

740.    SHRI KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government  is contemplating to extend the affordable  air  travel  facility  in  the  country  and  if  so,  the  details thereof; and
- (b)  the  details  of  efforts  made  for  the  development  of  air  travel facility in the Bundelkhand region during the last five years?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of (GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD))

CIVIL  AVIATION

- (a):  Ministry  of  Civil  Aviation  has  launched  Regional  Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) on 21.10.2016 to promote regional air connectivity and making air travel affordable to the  masses. The Scheme is in operation for  a period of 10 years from  the  date  of  its  inception.  517  routes  connecting  76  airports, including 2 Water Aerodrome & 9 Heliports, have been operationalised under the UDAN scheme
- (b): Chitrakoot, Datia, Lalitpur, Sagar, Jhansi and Damoh Airstrips of Bundelkhand  region  are  available  under  the  UDAN  scheme  for bidding and award of routes. Chitrakoot, Datia and Jhansi have been identified  for  development  after  award  of  routes  for  operation  of flights under UDAN. The development work of Chitrakoot airport has been  completed  and  licensing  is  under  process.  The  development work  of  Datia  is  under  process  and  work    at  Jhansi  is  under planning.

No valid bid for operation of flights under UDAN from Lalitpur, Sagar and Damoh has so far been received from any airline.

- ******
Lok Sabha Question No. 737 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-07
Subject: Exploration of Rare Earth Materials
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Vellalath Kochukrishnan Nair. Sreekandan

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 737 TO BE ANSWERED ON 7 th  December, 2023

## Exploration of Rare Earth Materials

## 737. SHRI V.K. SREEKANDAN:

## पेोिलयम और ाकृितक गैस मंी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is planning to begin exploration  of  rare  earth  materials  in  the  Kerala-Konkan  basin  shortly  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;

(b) whether it is also true that the earlier plan of ONGC to strike oil and gas in the KeralaKonkan basin had failed and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the ONGC is looking for rare materials such as lithium from the nineteen wells it had abandoned earlier in Kerala-Konkan basin shortly where the researchers failed to strike/hit oil and gas; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER पेोिलयम और ाकृितक गैस मंालय म राय मंी

## ( ी रामेर तेली )

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI RAMESWAR TELI)

(a) No Sir.

(b)  ONGC  initiated  exploration  activity  in  the  Kerala-Konkan  basin  with  seven  blocks allocated to it in the Basin. However, in absence of any exploratory success in terms of oil and gas discovery, all the blocks have since been relinquished.

(c) & (d) No Sir.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 734 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-07
Subject: Energy Storage System
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: Ravneet Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.734

## ANSWERED ON 07.12.2023

## ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM

## 734. SHRI RAVNEET SINGH BITTU:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has notified the National Framework for promoting energy storage system and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  set  a  target  for  achieving  50  per  cent cumulative installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy sources by 2030;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the progress achieved in this regard;
- (d) whether  the  National  Framework  for  promoting  energy  storage  system would help accelerate the transition towards renewable energy system; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## A N S W E R

## THE MINISTER OF POWER AND NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY

(SHRI R.K. SINGH)

- (a)  : Yes, Sir. The  Government  issued  a  'National  Framework  for promoting  Energy  Storage  Systems'  in  August,  2023  for  the  development  and deployment  of  Energy  Storage  Systems  to  facilitate  energy  transition  in  the country.
- (b) & (c) : As per the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submitted  to  the  United  Nations  Framework  Convention  for  Climate  Change (UNFCCC), India has committed to achieve 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.  As on 31.10.2023, a total of 186.46 GW (43.8%) non-fossil fuel-based capacity has been installed in the country out of an overall installed electricity capacity of 425.5 GW.

.......2.

(d) & (e) : India's  energy  mix  is  set  to  undergo  a  transition  from  fossil  fuel sources to non-fossil fuel based sources dominated by Renewable Energy (RE) in the future.   However, solar and wind energy are not available round the clock. To facilitate transition from fossil fuel-based sources to RE sources, it is crucial to make RE dispatchable and available round the clock.  Energy Storage Systems (ESS) play a key role in achieving this objective by storing energy generated from RE sources when it is available for use when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing.  They also help in addressing RE variability, enhancing grid stability, facilitating energy/peak shifting, providing ancillary support services and fostering  greater  integration  of  RE.  The  National  Framework  for  promoting Energy Storage Systems will encourage and create an ecosystem for development of Energy Storage based on requirements and financial feasibility, to  guarantee affordable, clean,  reliable  and environmentally sustainable power for everyone.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 732 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-07
Subject: Construction of Minor Bridge
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 732 ANSWERED ON 7 TH  DECEMBER, 2023

CONSTRUCTION OF MINOR BRIDGE

732.  SHRI SHRINIWAS PATIL:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has received any proposal and is considering construction of a Minor bridge on Khemawati river on NH-965DD at Lonand in Satara district of Maharashtra;
- (b) if so, the details and present status thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c) Yes Sir. The work of feasibility study and preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the aforesaid work has been awarded.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 730 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-07
Subject: PM-KUSUM
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: Dhanush M Kumar, Ganesan Selvam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 730

ANSWERED ON 07/12/2023

## PM KUSUM

## 730. SHRI DHANUSH M. KUMAR SHRI SELVAM G

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

- (a) the number of solar water pumps installed under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) since its inception in the State of Tamil Nadu; (b) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to increase the country's solar water pump
- manufacturing capacity;
- (c) whether the Government has adequate surveillance mechanisms and is taking active measures to ensure that solar water pumps do not disrupt the groundwater table in districts with depleted levels of groundwater; and
- (d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to decentralise solar power production?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER

## (SHRI R.K. SINGH)

- (a) Since the launch of PM-KUSUM Scheme on 8.3.2019, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has  sanctioned  7200  pumps  in  the  State  of  Tamil  Nadu  under  Component-B  of  PM  KUSUM scheme and till date 3187 pumps have been installed in the State.
- (b) Following provisions of the PM-KUSUM Scheme aim to increase country's solar water pump manufacturing capacity: (i) Target of installation or solarization of 49 lakh pumps through central financial  support  under  the  Scheme  provides  visibility  of  demand  in  the  coming  years.  (ii) Condition of domestic content requirement for participation in Component-B and Component-C of the Scheme.
- (c) PM-KUSUM guidelines have a provision to address over-exploitation of ground water by solar pumps.

As per the scheme guidelines, new pumps are not permitted to be installed in Dark zone/Black zone/ over-exploited areas notified by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).  However, existing standalone diesel pumps, can be converted into standalone solar pumps in these areas provided they use micro irrigation techniques to save water.

- (d) Presently, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is implementing two major schemes for decentralize solar power production. These include (i) PM-KUSUM scheme targeted to achieve 10000 MW capacity through installation of grid-connected solar power plants each of capacity up to 2 MW under Component A and solarization of 49 lakh agriculture pumps under Component-B and Component-C; and (ii) Rooftop Solar Programme Phase II targeted to achieve 40 GW rooftop solar capacity in the country.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 729 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-07
Subject: International Air Freight Services
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Chandra Sekhar Bellana

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 729

(To be answered on the 7 th  December 2023)

## INTERNATIONAL AIR FREIGHT SERVICES

## 729. SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR BELLANA

## Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a)  the  details  of  roadmap  drawn  to  increase  the  share  of  India  in international  air  freight  services;
- (b) whether the Government has taken any steps to boost the Indian air cargo market which was previously affected by COVID-19 restrictions; and (c) 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 increase the share of India in International air freight services, India has Open Sky Cargo arrangements with about 80 countries which allows unlimited all cargo operations between India and the respective country.
- (b) & (c) The Government has undertaken various steps to boost the Indian
- air cargo market. These steps inter-alia include:
- (i) Comprehensive National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) launched in 2016 for promoting rapid growth of the sector, ease of doing business and advanced
- regional connectivity.
- (ii) AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited (AAICLAS) set up as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Airports Authority of India (AAI) in 2016 for business development of air cargo, logistics and allied services at AAI managed airports.
- (iii) AAICLAS has operationalised 19 International Cargo Terminal facilities, 31 Domestic Cargo Terminal facilities and 02 Courier Terminal facilities.
- (iv) Domestic air cargo handling has commenced from Domestic Passenger Terminals at 23 airports namely Agra, Adampur, Belagavi, Bhavnagar, Darbhanga, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Gwalior, Hindon, Jabalpur, Jalgaon, Jodhpur, Jorhat, Kalaburagi, Kolhapur, Lilabari, Mysuru, Prayagraj,

Rajkot, Tezpur, Tuticorin, Udaipur and Shirdi airport (State Government operated). (v) Through Air Services Agreement, efforts have been made to ensure fair and equitable treatment to Indian carriers in the international sector.

- (vi) Airlines have been encouraged to increase their freighter strength.
- *****