opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 89 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-01-29
Subject: Vijayawada-Gundugolanu Section of NH-16
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Balashowry Vallabhaneni

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 89

ANSWERED ON 29 TH  JANUARY, 2026

## VIJAYAWADA-GUNDUGOLANU SECTION OF NH-16

## 89.    SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABHANENI:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

## be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it  is  true  that  the  six-lane  bypass  including  a  major bridge across River Krishna as part of the Vijayawada-Gundugolanu section of  National  Highway-16  (NH-16)  (Package-IV)  for  nearly  18 kilometres  in  Andhra  Pradesh  with  an  estimated  cost  of  Rs.  1600 crores was approved in 2019, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether it is also true that the total works of the said National Highway  stretch  have  not  yet  been  completed,  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (c)
- the targeted date of completion of the said project;
- (d) whether  there  is  any  cost  overrun  of  the  project,  if  so,  the details thereof; and
- (e) the reasons for delay and the anticipated date of completion of the project?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) to (e) The work of 6-lane Vijayawada Bypass from Gollapudi to Chinnakakani including major bridge across the River Krishna in the state  of  Andhra  Pradesh,  for  a  length  of  17.6  km  was  approved  in 2019  with  a  total  capital  cost  of  Rs  1194.59  crore.  Provisional

- Completion certificate for 13.410 km length was issued with effect from 30.09.2025 and the balance work in 4.226 km is targeted for completion by 31.03.2026. The  completion  of the project  was  delayed  due to the following reasons: (i) Swapping of alignment for a length of 7.25 km with N6 grid road of Amaravati Master Plan as proposed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. (ii) Demand  of  Government  of  Andhra  Pradesh  for  provision of additional facilities such as Vehicular Underpasses, Service Roads  and  Exit/Entry ramps  in the Amaravati Capital  region,  which  were not  found to be necessary and as such not accepted. Additional  financial  implication  in  the  form  of  price  escalation due to delay of project is estimated to Rs.30 crore.
- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 88 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-01-29
Subject: Trichy Bypass
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Durai Vaiko

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 88 ANSWERED ON 29 TH  JANUARY, 2026

## TRICHY BYPASS

## 88.    SHRI DURAI VAIKO:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

## be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has approved/proposed the construction of a 4-lane access controlled Trichy Bypass, including a  3  km  elevated corridor at Panjappur in Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu;
- (b) if so, the present status of the project including the details of land acquisition, tendering, and financial approval;
- (c) the total length, estimated cost and mode of implementation of the said project;
- (d) the  timeline  fixed  for  commencement  and  completion  of  the project; and
- (e) the steps being taken to ensure minimal traffic congestion and environmental  impact  during  execution,  considering  the  strategic importance of Panjappur as a major transport and logistics hub?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (d)  Consultancy  services  for  preparation  of  Detailed  Project Report (DPR) for construction of a 4- lane Trichy Bypass , including proposed elevated corridor at Panjappur in Tiruchirappalli district, has been awarded.

Approval  of  the  project  is  based  on  outcome  of  DPR,  traffic density  and  synergy  with  principles  of  PM-Gati-Shakti  National Master Plan and the Government of Tamil Nadu to incorporate the bypass in the Development plan and follow other conditions as per urban decongestion policy. (e) Traffic management Plan during construction would be

## incorporated in the project proposal.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 84 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-01-29
Subject: National Highway-183A in Kerala
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Anto Antony

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 84 ANSWERED ON 29 th  JANUARY, 2026

## NATIONAL HIGHWAY-183A IN KERALA

84.       SHRI ANTO ANTONY

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

- (a) The present status of implementation of National Highway-183A in Kerala;
- (b)  The  details  of  the  number  of  bypasses  proposed  along  the  said National Highway;
- (c)  Whether  land  acquisition  has  been  initiated  for  the  proposed National Highway and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) The estimated cost of completion of the project and the time frame fixed for its completion?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a)         Detailed  Project  Report(DPR)  of  National  Highway-183A  in  the State of Kerala is under preparation.
- (b)        Provisions  for  bypasses,  wherever  required,  are  considered  at the  DPR  stage  based  on  traffic  requirements,  road  safety  and  local conditions. Final number of bypasses will be known after completion and approval of the Detailed Project Report (DPR).

(c)        Land acquisition for the proposed National Highway-183A has not yet been initiated. (d)      The estimated cost and time-frame for completion of the project will  be  known  after  approval  of  the  DPR.  Development  of  National Highways is a continuous process and projects are taken up based on outcome  of  DPR,  traffic  density  and  synergy  with  PM  Gati  Shakti

National Master Plan.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 79 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-01-29
Subject: ONGC Oil Well Blowout in Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Shri Maddila Gurumoorthy

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 79 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 TH  JANUARY, 2026

## ONGC Oil Well Blowout in Andhra Pradesh

## 79. Shri Maddila Gurumoorthy:

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũी

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

- a) Whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  the  oil  well  blowout  in  Andhra  Pradesh  occurred during  operations  carried  out  by  a  private  contractor  under  ONGC  supervision,  if  so,  the details thereof;
- b) whether  mandatory  safety  audits,  equipment  certifications,  pressure  testing  and  real-time monitoring by ONGC officials were in place at the site, if so, the details thereof along with the reasons of the occurrence of blowout;
- c) whether  any  responsibility  has  been  fixed  on  any  ONGC  officials  or  contractors  for negligence, if so, the details thereof; and
- d) the  action  taken  against  those  found  responsible  and  the  measures  already  taken  and proposed to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future ONGC operations?

## ANSWER

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũालय मŐ राǛमंũी ( ŵी सुरे श गोपी )

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

- (a): On 05.01.2026, a gas leak followed by fire occurred during the workover operation in well Mori#5 of the Mori-5 field in Andhra Pradesh. This ONGC field was being operated by a private contractor (M/s Deep Exploration Services Private Ltd.) (DESPL) since 03.04.2025 under a 15 years Production  Enhancement  Contract  (PEC).  ONGC  with  its  in-house  expertise  and  capabilities controlled the fire and capped and subdued the well in 5 days, i.e. on 10.01.2026. No loss of life or injury was reported in the disaster.
- (b) to (d): Since  handing  over  the  fields  to  the  operator,  regular  safety  audits/inspections  are being conducted by Statutory Authorities like Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). DGMS inspected  Workover  Rig  DR-11  in  November,  2025.  There  are  adequate  and  comprehensive safeguards inbuilt in the PEC to ensure that the contractor has total accountability and responsibility for ensuring the safety of operations and environmental safeguard and corrections carried out based on cumulative learnings from such episodes.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 78 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-01-29
Subject: Operational Indiscipline in Aviation Sector
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Gaurav Gogoi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 78

(To be answered on the 29 th January 2026)

## OPERATIONAL INDISCIPLINE IN AVIATION SECTOR

## 78. SHRI GAURAV GOGOI

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  taken  cognisance  of  increasing  passenger complaints related to flight delays, last-minute cancellations, poor communication and inadequate grievance redressal by domestic airlines and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has conducted any recent  audits  or  reviews  of  airline  operations,  customer  service  standards  or compliance with safety and compensation regulations and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the measures being taken to address the growing perception of regulatory laxity and operational indiscipline in the aviation sector;
- (d) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  introduce  stricter  enforcement  of passenger rights,  compensation  norms  and  service  quality  benchmarks  under  the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the steps being taken to ensure that the ongoing expansion of India's aviation network does not come at the cost of safety, accountability and passenger welfare?

## ANSWER

## Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

- (a) to (e): Yes, the Government takes cognisance of passenger complaints regarding flight delays, last-minute cancellations, poor communication, and grievance redressal. DGCA has issued Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section 3, Series M, Part IV titled on 'Facilities to be provided to passengers by airlines due to denied boarding,  cancellation  of  flights  and  delays  in  flights  to  protect  the  interests  of passengers.

DGCA regularly conducts surveillance inspections, spot checks, and monitoring of airlines to review compliance with safety standards, passenger rights, and compensation  norms.  Any  discrepancies  identified  during  these  inspections  are communicated to the respective airlines for corrective action.

To address concerns regarding regulatory laxity and operational indiscipline, DGCA follows  a  structured  enforcement  process.  Corrective  actions  and  enforcement measures are taken against  airlines  or  personnel  found  in  violation  of  regulatory norms to ensure accountability and operational discipline.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 76 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-01-29
Subject: ST Status to Six Communities of Assam
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Md. Rakibul Hussain

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 76

TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.01.2026

## ST STATUS TO SIX COMMUNITIES OF ASSAM

76. MD. RAKIBUL HUSSAIN:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has taken any action in the last five years regarding the long-pending demand to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Six Communities of Assam;

- (b) if so, the details of the proposals submitted by the State Government and their current status;
- (c) whether any expert committee reports or ethnographic studies have been examined by the Government, if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the reasons for the continued delay in taking a final decision on this matter despite repeated assurances to the communities?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DURGADAS UIKEY)

(a) to (d): The proposal for inclusion of Tai Ahom, Chutia, Matak, Moran, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes has been received from the State Government of Assam .

Government of India on 15.6.1999 (further amended on 25.6.2002 and 14.9.2022) has laid down the modalities for deciding the claims for inclusion in, exclusion from and other modifications in Orders specifying Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes lists. As per these modalities, proposals are required to be recommended and duly justified along with an ethnographic report by the concerned State Government / UT Administration. Thereafter,  the  proposals  are required  to  be concurred  with  by  the  Registrar  General  of  India  (RGI)  and  the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) to be considered and legislation amended. All action on the proposals is taken as per these approved modalities

The proposals for inclusion in the list of Scheduled Tribes of a State or Union Territory follow certain processes as per the modalities. This is a continuous process.  The proposals are examined by the Office of the RGI and then by the NCST. In case the proposal is not recommended by the RGI, the State Governments are communicated the points raised by the RGI, so that additional information, if any, maybe furnished by the State Government. Many such proposals may therefore remain under examination at different levels.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 75 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-01-29
Subject: Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Adhaura, Kaimur
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Manoj Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 75

TO BE ANSWERED ON 29/01/2026

## EKLAVYA MODEL RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL (EMRS) AT ADHAURA, KAIMUR

## 75. SHRI MANOJ KUMAR:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware that the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Adhaura in Kaimur district of Bihar has remained non-operational for a long period of time and if so, the reasons therefor;

- (b) whether land has been allotted and tenders have been completed for the said EMRS and whether the completion of construction is likely to take a long time;
- (c) if so, whether the Government proposes to make any alternative arrangements to make the school  functional  for  tribal  students  in  the  region  and  the  timeline  therefor  and  if  not,  the reasons therefor;
- (d)  the  total  funds  sanctioned  for  the  EMRS  project  at  Adhaura,  Kaimur  along  with  the amount of funds that remain unutilised;
- (e)  the  steps  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  fast-track  construction  and  ensure  that  the school becomes operational within a fixed timeline; and

(f) the number of communications sent by the Union Government to the State Government of Bihar regarding the expeditious operationalisation of the sanctioned EMRS and the responses received in each case?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DURGADAS UIKEY)

(a) and (b) An Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Adhaura in Kaimur district of Bihar has been approved and encumbrance free land for the same has been provided by the State government in 2024.

(c) Meanwhile, NESTS has requested State Government to make the EMRS functional in alternative government building.

(d) The total funds sanctioned for the EMRS at Adhaura, Kaimur, Bihar is ₹39.06 crore. Out of this, an amount of ₹20.01 crore has been released so far.

(e) and (f) NESTS continuously follows up with the State Government and the construction agencies,  to  fast-track  construction  of  EMRSs  and  to  ensure  their  completion  within  the stipulated timelines, thereby ensuring their earliest possible functionalization.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 71 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-01-29
Subject: Purchase of LPG from USA
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Shri Khalilur Rahaman

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.71 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 th  January, 2026

## Purchase of LPG from USA

## 71. SHRI KHALILUR RAHAMAN:

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũी

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

- (a) whether the Government has signed a deal to buy 2.2 Million Tonnes of LPG from the United States of America (USA) for the next one year, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the impending trade deal with the USA has forced India to sign the said gas deal, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether India is being forced to buy gas at a higher rate when cheaper options were available from Russia, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the price of gas from the USA as compared to gas from Russia?

## ANSWER

## पेᮝोिलयम और ᮧाकृितक गैस मंᮢालय मᱶ रा᭔य मंᮢी ( ᮰ी सुरेश गोपी )

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS

## (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

(a) to (d)  Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum  Corporation  Limited  (BPCL)  and  Hindustan  Petroleum  Corporation  Limited (HPCL)  have  successfully  concluded  a  one-year  structured  contract  to  import  around  2.2 MTPA of LPG from the  United  States  (US)  Gulf  Coast  for  the  contract  year  2026.  Such decisions  relating  to  import  sources  are  taken  by  Oil  and  Gas  PSEs  after  market  due diligence, based on competitive rates and need for diversifying sourcing options.

Presently, there is no contract in place for importing LPG from Russia by PSEs.
Lok Sabha Question No. 70 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-01-29
Subject: Development of Greenfield Airport in Dahod
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Jaswantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 70

(To be answered on the 29 th January 2026)

## DEVELOPMENT OF GREENFIELD AIRPORT IN DAHOD

## 70. SHRI JASWANTSINH SUMANBHAI BHABHOR

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-

- (a) the current status of the Greenfield Airport project in Dahod district of Gujarat, subsequent  to the completion of pre-feasibility and Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) surveys;
- (b) the  expected  timeline  fixed  for  the  commencement  of  construction  and  the projected date for the operationalisation of the said airport; and
- (c) the total expenditure sanctioned by the Government for this project under the Greenfield Airports Policy?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

(a) & (b): Government of India (GoI) has formulated a Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy,  2008.  As  per  the  policy,  if  any  airport  developer  including  State Government desires to develop an airport, they are required to identify a suitable site and get the Pre-feasibility Study conducted and submit a proposal to GoI for 'Site Clearance' followed by 'In-Principle' approval.

On the request of State Government of Gujarat (GoG), multi-disciplinary team of Airports Authority of India (AAI) visited the proposed site location for development of a Greenfield airport in Dahod. The study report for this site as well as another relocated site has been sent to GoG by AAI.

GoI has not received any proposal seeking 'Site Clearance' under GFA Policy for development of a Greenfield airport in Dahod. Further, the timeline for completion

- of  the  airport  projects  depends  upon  several  factors  such  as  land  acquisition, availability of mandatory clearances including environmental clearances, financial closure etc.

(c): As per GFA Policy, 2008, the responsibility of the implementation of airport project including its funding rests with the Project Proponent.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 68 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-01-29
Subject: Distance Between Two Toll Booths on National Highways
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Prof. Sougata Ray

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 68 ANSWERED ON 29 TH  JANUARY, 2026

## DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO TOLL BOOTHS ON NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

68. PROF. SOUGATA RAY:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of distance prescribed by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for setting up of toll booths across National Highways of the country;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  has  noticed  any  toll  booth  functioning without  keeping  the  minimum  distance  between  two  toll  booths  in  the country, if so, the details of such toll booths, State-wise; and
- (c)  whether  there  is  any  protests  from  the  general  public  against  such toll booths and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a)  to  (b)  Fee  plazas  are  established  on  National  Highways  as  per  the provisions  of  the  National  Highways  Fee  (Determination  of  Rates  and Collection)  Rules,  2008,  wherein  Sub-Rule  (2)  of  Rule  8,  stipulates  that any other fee plaza on the same section of National Highway and in the same direction shall not be established within a distance of 60 km. The proviso to the said Rule states that where the executing authority deems necessary,  it  may  for  reasons  to  be  recorded  in  writing,  establish  or allow the concessionaire to establish another fee plaza within a distance of 60 km and also within a distance of 60 km from another fee plaza if such fee plaza is for collection of fee for a permanent bridge, bypass or

tunnel.  In  addition,  in  case  of  closed  user  fee  collection  system,  fee plazas can be established anywhere on the National Highways. Fee Plazas are established on NHs based on detailed analysis such as land  availability,  forest  area,  minimum  diversion  of  traffic,  Municipal limits, and safety and road geometry.  However, user fee is collected at the Fee Plaza depending on the project influence length of respective fee plaza, and not on its specific location within the project influence length. (c)  Government  receives  representations  regarding location of fee plazas,  which  are  examined  and  addressed  appropriately  as  per  the extant rules and guidelines.

*****

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