Lok Sabha Question No. 734 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-24
Subject: Road Construction in Uttarakhand
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 734 ANSWERED ON 24 th  July, 2025

## ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN UTTARAKHAND

734. SHRI TRIVENDRA SINGH RAWAT:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  present  condition  of road  construction  and  maintenance  in  the  hilly,  rural  and  tribal regions of Uttarakhand State and if so, the length of road that has been constructed or reconstructed so far;
- (b) the major reasons for delays in construction or expansion of the Char Dham road project and other National Highways;
- (c)  whether  any  policy-related  conflict  has  arisen  in  the  State regarding bike taxi services due to allowing of non-transport motor vehicles  for  commercial  use  and  if  so,  the  stand  of  the  Union Government in this regard; and
- (d) whether any special measures have been taken by the Government  to  ensure  road  safety  and  to  make  public  transport services  accessible,  safe  and  viable  in  a  sensitive  terrain  like Uttarakhand and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a)  The Government in Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is primarily responsible for development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs). Total 2,969 km length of NHs have been developed from 2014-15 to 2025-26 (upto June, 2025) in the State of

Uttarakhand. (b)  The  major  reasons  for  delay  in  construction  of  Char  dham  and other NHs Projects in the State of Uttrakhand are due to delays and litigations related to forest and environment clearances in various Courts  of  Law,  delay  in  Land  Acquisition,  utility  shifting,  nonavailability  of  soil/  aggregate,  poor  performance  of  contractors, heavy rainfall affecting site work, wildlife clearances, local demands  for  additional  facilities,  arbitration/  contractual  disputes with contractors etc. (c)  Clause  23  of  the  Motor  Vehicles  Aggregators  Guidelines,  2025 has  provision  for  "Aggregation  of  non-transport  motorcycles  by aggregators". (i) Clause 23.1 states "The State Government may allow aggregation of  non-transport  motorcycles  for  journey  by  passengers  as  shared mobility through aggregators resulting in reduced traffic congestion and  vehicular  pollution,  along-with  providing  inter  alia  affordable livelihood passenger mobility, hyperlocal delivery, creating opportunities.

(ii) Clause 23.2 states "The State Government may, in exercise of its powers  under  sub-section  (3)  of  Section  67  of  the  Act,  permit aggregation of non-transport motorcycles for journey by passengers".

Government has not received any complaint on policy-related conflict in the State of Uttrakhand regarding bike taxi services due to allowing of non-transport motor vehicles for commercial use.

(d) Government in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has formulated  a  multi-pronged  strategy  to  address  the  issue  of  road safety based on 4E's i.e. Education, Engineering (both of roads and vehicles), Enforcement and Emergency Care. Roads  are  developed  and  maintained  as  per  Indian  Road Congress  standards  and  guidelines  issued  from  time  to  time. Proper  safety  measures  such  as  crash  barriers,  rumble  strips, reflective signage, and speed-calming measures have been implemented  at  accident-prone  locations  on  highway  stretches. Additionally, regular road safety audits and black spot rectifications are being carried out. Further, implemented the Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD)  project  for  the  scientific  analysis  of  accidents  and  the formulation of targeted interventions.

*****