opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1950 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Funds for Urban Infrastructure
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Tanuj Punia

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1950 TO BE ANSWERED ON JULY 31, 2025

## FUNDS FOR URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE

## NO. 1950.  SHRI TANUJ PUNIA:

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

- (a) the manner in which the Government intends to interface with the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development to  ensure  that  urban  infrastructure  projects  receive  adequate and timely funding to meet future demands; and
- (b) the details of the steps taken/being taken by the Government to address  land  acquisition  issues  and  community  concerns  to ensure  the  smooth  execution  of  projects  keeping  in  view  the challenges faced by projects such as the Dharavi Slum Redevelopment in Mumbai?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI TOKHAN SAHU)

- (a)  &  (b):    The  Government  of  India,  in  the  budget  for  2025-26  has announced to set up an Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) of ₹1 lakh crore to implement the proposals for 'Cities as Growth Hubs', 'Creative Redevelopment of Cities' and 'Water and Sanitation'. As per the budget announcement, this fund would finance up to 25 per cent of the cost of bankable projects with a stipulation that at least 50 per cent of the cost is funded from bonds, bank loans, and Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). Banks and Financial institutions  including  National  Bank  for  Financing Infrastructure  and  Development  can  partner  with  the  State/  Cities  in taking up the projects under this scheme.

As per seventh schedule (Article 246) of the Constitution, land is a State subject. Further, as per 12 th   Schedule of the Constitution,  Urban Planning is the function of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)/ Urban Development Authorities. Government of India supplements the efforts of the States through  schematic  interventions/  advisories.  It  provides  financial  and technical support to the States to strengthen Urban Planning ecosystem.

The  Government  of  India  implemented  the  Scheme  for  Special Assistance  to  States  for  Capital  Investment  Scheme  (SSASCI)  (Urban Planning  Reforms)  during  2023-24  and  2024-25  in  which,  States  were incentivised for undertaking various urban reforms including implementation  of  Town  Planning  Schemes  (TPS)  and  Land  Pooling Schemes (LPS). The TPS/ LPS reform component of the scheme has been extended for the year 2025-26. 81 LPS/TPS schemes in 15 States are at various stages of implementation.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1946 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Seaplane Service
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Smt. Mala Roy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 1946 (To be answered on the 31 st  July 2025)

## SEAPLANE SERVICE

## 1946. SMT MALA ROY

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) the current status of seaplane service in the country;
- (b) the number of seaplane routes currently operational as on date;
- (c) the number of passengers travelled through seaplane till 30.06.2025; and
- (d) the total number of seaplane operators operating this service in the country?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

(a):  Ministry  of  Civil  Aviation  introduced  seaplane  operations  from  water aerodromes under the Regional Connectivity Scheme - Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik 3.0 (RCS-UDAN 3.0). During various rounds of bidding, 32 valid seaplane routes have been awarded, connecting 25 water aerodromes in the States/UTs of Gujarat, Assam,  Telangana,  Andhra  Pradesh,  Andaman  and  Nicobar  Islands,  Goa, Himachal Pradesh,  and  Lakshadweep  for  seaplane  operations. Under UDAN 5.5 Letters of Intent (LoI) have been issued to the airline operators for bids connecting the water-bodies in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar islands.

- (b) to (d): Currently, there are no operational seaplane routes.
- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1944 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Rise in Cost of JJM Schemes
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Smt. Rachna Banerjee

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI DEPARTMENT OF DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1944

ANSWERED ON 31.07.2025

## RISE IN COST OF JJM SCHEMES

1944.   SMT. RACHNA BANERJEE:

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the total estimated cost of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) schemes has reportedly risen to Rupees 8.29 lakh crore more than double the original estimate as per the current survey report conducted by the Government;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  conducted  any  audit  or  investigation  into  potential  cost inflation or misuse of funds; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI (SHRI V. SOMANNA)

(a) to (d) The Government of India had launched Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a centrally sponsored scheme,  in  August  2019,  aiming  to  provide  Functional  Household  Tap  Connections  (FHTCs)  to every  rural  household  of  the  country.  At  the  time  of  the  launch,  the  Government  also  approved support for the States and UTs with a central outlay of ₹2,08,652 crore. The approved central outlay has almost been utilized.

At the start the mission, only 3.23 crore (16.7%) rural households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, as reported by States/ UTs as on 28.07.2025, under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Har Ghar Jal more than 12.44 crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections. Thus, as on 28.07.2025, out of 19.36 crore rural households in the country, more than 15.67 crore (80.96%) households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes.

To  achieve  the  goal  of  the  mission  with  focus  on  quality  of  infrastructure  and  Operation  & Maintenance of rural  piped  water  supply  schemes  for  long  term  sustainability  and  citizen  centric water service delivery, Hon'ble Finance Minister during her budget speech 2025-26 has announced extension of Jal Jeevan Mission until 2028 with enhanced total outlay. Accordingly, a proposal for continuation of Jal Jeevan Mission until 2028 with enhanced total outlay is under consideration of the Government.

*****

## ANSWER
Lok Sabha Question No. 1940 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Power Generation Capacity of NTPC
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: Shri Arun Kumar Sagar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1940 ANSWERED ON 31.07.2025

POWER GENERATION CAPACITY OF NTPC

†1940. SHRI ARUN KUMAR SAGAR:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

(a) the  existing  power  generation  capacity  of  National  Thermal  Power Corporation (NTPC);

(b) whether the NTPC proposes to increase its power generation capacity by three times;

- (c) if so, the specific plan chalked out by NTPC in this regard; and

(d) the time by which it is likely to be implemented?

## A N S W E R

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER

(SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)

(a) : Currently,  the  installed  capacity  of  NTPC  group  (including  JVs  and subsidiaries) is about 82,895 Megawatt (MW).

(b) to (d) : NTPC Ltd. formulates a 15-years corporate Plan which envisages its power generation portfolio. As per the present Corporate Plan, NTPC has set a target  of  achieving  1,30,000  MW  installed  capacity  by  2032,  leveraging  a diversified  fuel  mix,  integrating  fossil  fuels,  hydro,  nuclear,  and  renewable sources to expand its portfolio.

************
Lok Sabha Question No. 1938 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Construction on NH-34
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Rahul Singh Lodhi

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  the  Detailed  Project  Reports (DPRs)  are  being  prepared  for  the  second  segment  of  National  Highways (NHs)-34 (i) four-lane road from Damoh to Abhana with shoulder (ii) two-lane road  from  Abhana  to  Katangi  with  shoulder  and  (iii)  four-lane  road  from Katangi to Jabalpur with shoulder;
- (b) if so, whether the in-principle approval for this NH construction work has been granted therein with the same criteria; and
- (c) if so, the main reason for granting approval with such criteria?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (c) Government undertakes feasibility study/Detailed Project Report(DPR)  for  widening/strengthening/new  greenfield  for  various  National Highway declared by Government of India. Decision for project implementation  and  investment  is  taken  based  on  the  outcome  of  DPR, requirement of connectivity, inter-se priority and synergy with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. As far as National Highway 34 from Damoh-Jabalpur is concerned,  the  work  of  preparation  of  DPR  for  the  stretch  of  has  been completed. The final decision on lane configuration would be based on traffic volume, land requirement, statutory clearances and financial viability.

*****

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1938

ANSWERED ON 31 ST  JULY, 2025

## CONSTRUCTION ON NH-34

## 1938.  SHRI RAHUL SINGH LODHI:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री
Lok Sabha Question No. 1937 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Irregularities in JJM
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Rakesh Rathor

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI DEPARTMENT OF DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1937 ANSWERED ON 31/07/2025

## IRREGULARITIES IN JJM

## †1937. SHRI RAKESH RATHOR:

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), there have been complaints from several States regarding corruption, cost escalation, substandard construction and irregularities in contracting in the schemes for providing tap water to rural households resulting in irregular water supply to the rural population;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with number of inspection reports received from the districts where  119  Central  Nodal  Officers  were  deployed  by  the  Government  including  the  main findings thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has taken any disciplinary or legal action against the contractors or officials found responsible based on those reports; and
- (d) if not, whether the Government is considering any policy proposal in the near future to strengthen the citizen grievance mechanism and to implement a robust regulatory system and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI (SHRI V. SOMANNA)

- (a) Water  is a state subject and, therefore, the primary  responsibility for planning, implementation,  and  operation  &  maintenance  (O&M)  of  piped  water  supply  schemes  to provide tap water to rural households, lies with the respective State/UT Government. As such, grievances/ complaints, etc. inter alia including corruption, sub-standard work and financial irregularities under JJM are handled and disposed of at the State/ UT level. Such complaints/ representations as and when received in this department are forwarded to the state government for taking necessary corrective measures. Further, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation undertakes several measures such as functionality  assessment,  ground truthing by National WASH Experts, call-based feedback from complainant, field visits by National Teams, status review in meetings, etc. to ensure that the complaints related to quality of works are addressed by the State/UT.

(b) to (d)  Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India has appointed Central Nodal Officers (CNOs) for the ground inspection of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) schemes across identified districts. The visits of CNOs and report submission is currently underway.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1936 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Deep Potholes on NH-966
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri V K Sreekandan

## be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  deep  potholes  on  National  Highway  (NH)-966  especially along  the  Olavakkode-Thanavu  road  stretch  in  Palakkad  have  been causing traffic jams and accidents if so, the details thereof; (b)  whether  the  incomplete  widening  work  on  this  highway  just  250300 metres before Thanavu Junction at Puthuppariyaram in Palakkad has resulted into a bottleneck on the said stretch causing traffic jams and accidents if so, the details thereof; (c)  whether  this  highway  needs  to  be  converted/upgraded  into  four lanes  to  reduce  traffic  jams  between  Olavakkode  and  Chandranagar and if so, the details thereof; and (d)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  address  all  the  above
- issues?

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1936 ANSWERED ON 31 st  JULY, 2025

## DEEP POTHOLES ON NH-966

1936.  SHRI V K SREEKANDAN:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मं त्री

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) & (b) The maintenance work for the stretch between Thanavu and Olavakkode on NH-966 in Palakkad town was approved in December 2024  at  an  estimated  cost  of ₹ 34.90  lakh.  Due  to  no  response  of bidders,  the  tender  was  finalized  in  the  fifth  call.  The  work  is scheduled  to  commence  shortly  and  is  targeted  for  completion  by October 2025.   A stretch of approximately 300 metres near Thanavu Junction  was  excluded  from  the  widening  work  of  NH-966  from Nattukal  to  Thanavu,  which  was  completed  in  June,  2023,  due  to inadequate Right of Way (ROW) to accommodate widening. (c) & (d) A proposal for a four lane greenfield access controlled project between Palakkad and Kozhikode, aimed at decongesting the existing NH-966, is under consideration.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1929 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Unavailability of Irrigation Water
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Kuldeep Indora

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1929

ANSWERED ON 31.07.2025

## UNAVAILABILITY OF IRRIGATION WATER

†1929. SHRI KULDEEP INDORA Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state: (a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  recent  hunger  strikes  and  protests  by  farmers  of  Sri Ganganagar on the issue of unavailability of irrigation water in Gangnahar as per the allocated share and if so, the details thereof; (b) the steps taken by the Government to ensure the availability of irrigation water in the Gangnahar as per the allocated share; (c) whether the Government is considering any action plan to address such irrigation water shortage issues in Sri Ganganagar in the future; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI

( SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY )

(a) to (d) Protests and hunger strikes by the farmers of Sri Ganganagar have been reported for supply of allocated irrigation water in Gang Canal. As per the State Government of Rajasthan, the actual supply in Gang canal was lower than the allocated share in June, 2025, attributed primarily to the reduced capacity of the Ferozepur Feeder Canal, which feeds the Gang Canal. To address this, this Ministry along with both the State Governments are coordinating the efforts.

A project for relining/rehabilitation of the  Ferozepur Feeder Canal has been proposed by the State Government.  Advisory  Committee  of  Department  of  Water  Resources,  River  Development  and  Ganga Rejuvenation on irrigation, flood control and multipurpose project has considered and accepted the project in its 158 th meeting held on 24.04.2025.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1927 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Humsafar Policy
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Anto Antony

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 1927 ANSWERED ON - 31 st  July, 2025

## HUMSAFAR POLICY

1927. SHRI ANTO ANTONY:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन एवं िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a)  The current implementation status of the Humsafar Policy across National Highways;
- (b) The number  of wayside  amenity  hubs developed under the Humsafar Policy so far;
- (c)  The  number  of  dormitories  set  up  at  fuel  stations  to  assist  longdistance travellers;
- (d)  The  budget  allocation  for  the  Humsafar  Policy  and  the  amount utilised so far; and
- (e) The number of EV charging stations that have been installed under this  policy  and  the  planned  target  for  the  upcoming  years  in  this regard?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  Humsafar  policy  was  launched  on  8th  October,  2024 to  onboard the  existing  and  upcoming  service  providers  along  the  National Highways/Expressways.  This  is  being  implemented  by  the  National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a 100% subsidiary of  National  Highways  Authority  of  India  (NHAI)  working  in  Logistics Sector.

(b) Hamsafar Policy is the voluntary onboarding policy for the existing / upcoming service providers along the National Highways / expressways for enrolling as Wayside Amenities (WSAs) to cater the requirement of commuters. This is in addition to the existing facilities available  on  the  National  Highways  for  benefit  of  the  commuters  by enabling access to standardized, well maintained and hygienic facilities.  The service provider enjoys branding on NHs in addition to the benefit of saving the Access Fee. As on date 01 (one) facility on NH 48 has been voluntarily enrolled under the Humsafar Policy.

(c)  A  total  of 59  (fifty  nine)  wayside  amenities  have  been developed with dormitories facilities till date.

(d)  to  (e)  The  EV  charging  is  provisioned  as  one  of  the  mandatory facility in the WSAs having more than 1 hectare of land. As on date, a total of 62 (sixty two) EV charging stations on the National Highways are operational. The facility onboarded in the Humsafar Policy has the EV  charging  facility.  No  specific  budget  allocation  has  been  made towards the Humsafar Policy.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1923 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Urban Challenge Fund
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Captain Brijesh Chowta

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1923

TO BE ANSWERED ON JULY 31, 2025

## URBAN CHALLENGE FUND

NO. 1923.      SHRI CAPTAIN BRIJESH CHOWTA:

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

- (a)  the objectives and key features of the Urban Challenge Fund including the criteria set for city selection and the types of urban innovation projects eligible for the same;
- (b)  the  total  funds  allocation  proposed  thereunder  and  whether  the funding would be performance-linked or demand-driven;
- (c)  whether the Government has invited proposals from States and Urban Local  Bodies  (ULBs)  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the number of proposals received and approved so far;
- (d)  whether any cities from Karnataka, particularly Mangaluru or other urban centres in Dakshina Kannada have submitted proposals under the Urban Challenge Fund and if so, the details and the current status thereof; and
- (e)  the timeline fixed for implementation of approved projects and the mechanism put in place for monitoring and evaluation of outcomes?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI TOKHAN SAHU)

(a) to (e):   The  Government  of  India,  in  the  budget  for  2025-26  has announced to set up an Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) of ₹1 lakh crore to implement the proposals for 'Cities as Growth Hubs', 'Creative Redevelopment of Cities' and 'Water and Sanitation'. As per the budget announcement, this fund is planned to finance up to 25 per cent of the cost of bankable projects with a stipulation that at least 50 per cent of the cost is funded from bonds, bank loans, and Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). ₹10,000 crore has been al located for the financial year 2025-26. The objective is to enhance urban resilience and economic productivity through integrated urban planning, land-use efficiency, and sustainable financing.

The  Draft  Expenditure  Finance  Committee  (EFC)  Note  for  UCF initiative is at Inter-Ministerial Consultation stage.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1922 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Expansion of Satna Airport
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Ganesh Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 1922 (To be answered on the 31 st  July 2025)

## EXPANSION OF SATNA AIRPORT

## 1922. SHRI GANESH SINGH

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government has any plans for the expansion of the recently inaugurated Satna Airport during the current financial year and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to operate commercial and cargo flights from Satna Airport in the near future;
- (c) if so, the details thereof along with the estimated timeline fixed in this regard;
- (d) whether the Government is contemplating to set up an Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) Station at Satna Airport; and
- (e) if so, the details and the procedure thereof?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

- (a): The expansion and upgradation of airports is a continuous process and is undertaken by the Airport Operators from time to time depending on the availability of land, commercial viability, socio-economic considerations, traffic demand / willingness of airlines to operate to/from such airports. As per the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016, the responsibility for providing land for airport development, free of cost and free from all encumbrances, lies with the respective State Government. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has projected a land requirement of approximately 100 acres to the Government of Madhya Pradesh for the extension of the runway from 1200m to 1850m at Satna Airport.
- (b) & (c): With the repeal of the Air Corporation Act in March 1994, the Indian domestic aviation has been deregulated. Airlines are free to induct capacity  with  any  aircraft  type,  free  to  select  whatever  markets  and network/route they wish to service, depending on their commercial and

## operational feasibility.

(d)  &  (e):  AAI  has  requested  Indian  Oil  Corporation  Ltd  (IOCL)  for establishing Mobile (on-wheel) refueling unit as an interim arrangement to support ongoing operations till the permanent Aviation Fueling Station (AFS) is set up at Satna Airport.

- *****