opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4430 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: Dedicated Bypass/Flyover for Industrial Traffic
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Patel Umeshbhai Babubhai

be pleased to state:

- (a) the  impact  of  heavy  vehicular  movement  in  the  Vapi-Daman-Silvassa Industrial Corridor on local traffic and road safety;
- (b) whether any scheme has been sanctioned or proposed for a dedicated bypass/ring road/flyover to segregate industrial traffic;
- (c) if  not,  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  formulate  a  special industrial  traffic  management  plan  for  UT  of  Dadra  and  Nagar  Haveli  and Daman and Diu;
- (d) if so, the timeline thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (e) whether any separate funding model or special package is available for development of road infrastructure in the Union Territories;
- (f) the  total  amount  of  Central  funds  sanctioned  and  released  to  UT  of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu during the last five years; and
- (g) whether it is proposed to provide an additional infrastructure package in view of the unique administrative status of Union Territories?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (g) The Government in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is primarily  concerned  with  the  development  and  maintenance  of  National

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4430 ANSWERED ON 19 TH  MARCH, 2026

## DEDICATED BYPASS/FLYOVER FOR INDUSTRIAL TRAFFIC

†4430.   SHRI PATEL UMESHBHAI BABUBHAI:

Will the MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

Highways (NHs). NH - 848A and NH - 848 B passes through the UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu and provides connectivity to the Vapi-

Daman-Silvassa Industrial Corridor. To ease the present traffic situation on these NHs, the Government in the  Ministry  of  Road  Transport  and  Highways  has  sanctioned  two  works amounting to Rs. 319.13 crores for the widening of these NHs to four-lanes. In  addition  to  above,  Government  has  also  taken  up  construction  of  DelhiMumbai Expressway (NE-4) which provides an alternate high speed connectivity to the heavy traffic in Vapi-Daman-Silvassa Industrial Corridor. The  details  of  the  funds  allocated  and  expenditure  incurred  on  the development of various NHs in the UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu during the last five years including current financial are as under:

| Year    | Allocation (Rs. in crores)   | Expenditure (Rs. in crores)   |
|---------|------------------------------|-------------------------------|
|         | 43                           | 2020-21 43                    |
| 30      | 30                           | 2021-22                       |
|         | 26 26                        | 2022-23                       |
|         | 2 2                          | 2023-24                       |
| 2024-25 | 100                          | 46                            |
| 2025-26 | 180                          | 62.45 (till 28.02.2026)       |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4421 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: Utilization of Funds under UCF
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. Sharmila Sarkar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4421

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MARCH 19, 2026

## UTILIZATION OF FUNDS UNDER UCF

NO. 4421. DR. SHARMILA SARKAR:

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

- (a) the details and the reasons for the ninety per cent underutilisation of funds allocated  under  the  Urban  Challenge  Fund  (UCF)  between  Budget Estimates (BE) 2025-26 and Revised Estimates (RE) 2025-26;
- (b) the details of the funds utilised under the UCF till date; and
- (c) the details of any projects proposed and selected under the UCF?

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

(a) to (c): Post announcement of Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) in the Union Budget  2025-26,  Ministry  of  Housing  and  Urban  Affairs  held  detailed consultations with stakeholders including concerned Central Ministries, State Governments, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Parastatals, Banks, NonBanking  Financial  Companies  (NBFCs),  Multilateral  Banks  and  Think Tanks. The Cabinet has approved Urban Challenge Fund of ₹1 Lakh Crores on February 13, 2026.

Till date, no project has been approved and no fund has been utilized under UCF. Guidelines for UCF are under preparation.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4414 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: Strategic Petroleum Reserves
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Shri Brijmohan Agrawal

## STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVES

## 4414. SHRI BRIJMOHAN AGRAWAL:

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũी

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

(a)  the  primary  roles  and  objectives  of  Indian  Strategic  Petroleum  Reserve  Limited  (ISPRL)  and  the details  of  all  Strategic  Petroleum  Reserves  (SPRs)  currently  under  operation  under  Phase-I,  including their storage capacities and State/UT-wise locations;

(b) the manner in which the current combined reserve capacity compares with the recommendation of the International Energy Agency (IEA) of maintaining ninety days import cover;

(c)  the  present  status  of  the  SPRs  being  developed  under  Phase-II  along  with  the  proposed  locations, targeted capacities and the estimated budget or investment model approved for their development; and

(d) whether the Government proposes to consider regionally neutral States such as Chhattisgarh, which may offer better protection against maritime threats, for development of SPRs under Phase-III and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## पेᮝोिलयम और ᮧाकृ ितक गैस मंᮢालय मᱶ रा᭔यमंᮢी ( ᮰ी सुरेश गोपी )

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

## (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

(a)  to  (d)  Government  of  India  (GoI),  through  a  Special  Purpose  Vehicle  called  Indian  Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL), has established Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) facilities with total  capacity  of  5.33  Million  Metric  Tonnes  (MMT)  of  crude  oil  in  Andhra  Pradesh  and  Karnataka, which  can  act  as  buffer  for  short-term  supply  shocks.  It  will  provide  for  about  9.5  days  of  crude  oil requirement.

The  current  total  national  capacity  for  storage  of  crude  oil  and  petroleum  products  is  74  days  which includes capacity of storage facilities of the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) of 64.5 days. The actual reserve  is  a  dynamic  number  depending  on  the  stocks  and  actual  consumption,  both  of  which  are  not static.

Membership criteria of International Energy Agency entails that Member Countries maintain Crude oil and/or product reserves equivalent to 90 days of the previous year's net imports, to which Government has immediate access.

In  July  2021,  Government  had  also  approved  the  establishment  of  two  additional  commercial-cumstrategic petroleum reserve facilities with total storage capacity of 6.5 MMT in Odisha and Karnataka, on a  Public  Private  Partnership  mode  at  a  total  project  cost  of  Rs.  14,527  crores  with  the  Viability  Gap Funding (VGF) capped at 60% of the total project cost.

Government, from time to time, evaluate the possibility of augmentation of storage capacities based on technical  and  commercial  feasibility.  Assessment  of  new  sites  for  establishing  additional  petroleum reserves is a continuous process.
Lok Sabha Question No. 4411 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: TReDS Platform
Ministry: MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Asked by: Shri Eatala Rajender

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4411 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2026

## TReDS  PLATFORM

## 4411. SHRI EATALA RAJENDER:

Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether with Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS), more than rupees Seven lakh crore  has  been  made  available  to  Micro,  Small  and  Medium  Enterprises  (MSMEs)  and  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (b) whether to  leverage  its  full  potential,  Government  propose  measures  such  as:  (i)  mandate TReDS as  the  transaction  settlement  platform  for  all  purchases  from  MSMEs  by  Central  Public Sector  Enterprises  (CPSEs),  serving  as  a  benchmark  for  other  corporates;  (ii)  introduce  a  credit guarantee support mechanism through Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) for invoice  discounting  on  TReDS  platform;  (iii)  link  GeM  with  TReDS  for  sharing information with financiers  about  Government purchases from MSMEs, encouraging cheaper and quicker financing; and (iv) introduce TReDS receivables as asset-backed securities, helping develop a  secondary  market,  enhancing  liquidity  and  settlement  of  transactions,  if  so,  the  details  and  the present status thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)

(a) and (b): Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) is an RBI-regulated digital platform that  enables  MSMEs  to  convert  their  trade  receivables  into  finance.  As  of  now  five  TReDS Platforms namely RXIL, M1xchange, Invoice-mart (A-TReDS), C2FO and KredX are operational. As informed by RBI, so far, these platforms have financed Rs 8.29 lakh crore to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the details are as under:

| (Rs. In Lakh Crore)        | (Rs. In Lakh Crore)   | (Rs. In Lakh Crore)   | (Rs. In Lakh Crore)    | (Rs. In Lakh Crore)   | (Rs. In Lakh Crore)   | (Rs. In Lakh Crore)   |
|----------------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------|------------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------|
| Name of the TReDS Platform | RXIL                  | M1xchange             | Invoice-mart (A-TReDS) | C 2 FO                | KredX                 | Total                 |
| Value of Invoice financed  | 2.8244                | 2.7610                | 2.6746                 | 0.0255                | 0.0002                | 8.2857                |

These four key measures have been announced vide Budget Announcement 2026. In order to implement  the  Budget  announcements  2026  and  to  identify  actionable  recommendations,  the Government  has  initiated  consultations  with  stakeholders  such  as  industry  Associations,  Central Public Sector Enterprises, Financial Institutions and TReDS platforms.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4408 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: Frauds under MSME Schemes
Ministry: MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Asked by: Shri Sudama Prasad

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4408 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 19.03.2026

## FRAUDS UNDER MSME SCHEMES

## 4408. SHRI SUDAMA PRASAD:

Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  recent  cases  where  individuals  and  entities  have  been defrauded  by  fake  persons  claiming  to  facilitate  credit  and  loans  under  Micro,  Small  and  Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) schemes and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the total number of such cases reported/registered across the country during the last five years, State-wise along with the quantum of money involved, scheme names misused and the action taken in this regard;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  data  on  identified  fake  agencies/intermediaries  misusing  the names and logos of MSME and Government schemes or other MSME credit initiatives and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government proposes constituting a committee or bringing any legislative or policy changes to enhance security, increase penalties for fraudsters targeting MSME beneficiaries and protect genuine MSME entrepreneurs from such fraud practices and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)

(a) to (d): All  credit  related  schemes  of  Ministry  of  Micro,  Small  and  Medium  Enterprises (MSMEs) are implemented through Banks/Financial Institutions. Further, Ministry of MSME, through its  field  offices,  regularly  organizes  outreach  programmes  in  coordination  with  MSME/  Industry Departments of States/UTs concerned and other stakeholders such as Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro  and  Small  Enterprises  (CGTMSE),  Small  Industries  Development  Bank  of  India  (SIDBI), Banks, MSME Associations etc. to create awareness and disseminate information among MSMEs in the  country.  Ministry  of  MSME,  vide  letter  no.  No.  1(12)/CLCSS/Misc/Fake  Loans  /2020-21  dated 18.09.2020, issued  advisory  to  all  MSMEs  not  to  fall  prey  to  offers  made  by  such  fraudsters  either directly or through website/phone calls etc.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4402 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: Expansion of PNG Network in Maharashtra
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Shri Balya Mama Suresh Gopinath Mhatre

## EXPANSION OF PNG NETWORK IN MAHARASHTRA

## †4402. SHRI BALYA MAMA SURESH GOPINATH MHATRE:

## पेᮝोिलयम और ᮧाकृ ितक गैस मंᮢी

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

(a) whether the Government  is aware that the expansion of the Piped Natural  Gas  (PNG) network  in  Bhiwandi  region  of  Maharashtra  is  progressing  at  a  slow  pace  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;

(b)  whether  the  Government  is  formulating  a  time-bound  plan  for  the  expansion  of  the  PNG pipeline network in Bhiwandi City and its rural areas and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the  number  of  domestic and commercial  PNG  connections  provided  so  far in  Bhiwandi along with the targets set for the future; and

(d) whether the Government has reviewed the performance of gas companies engaged in PNG supply in Bhiwandi and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## 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)  to  (d)  Providing  Piped  Natural  Gas  (PNG)  connections  is  part  of  the  development  of  City  Gas Distribution (CGD) Network, which inter alia include creation of pipeline infrastructure and other facilities for the supply of PNG to domestic, commercial and industrial units and is being carried out by the entities authorized by Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) as per Minimum Work Program (MWP) and techno-commercial feasibility.

Bhiwandi is part of Thane urban and adjoining Municipalities Geographical Areas (GA) authorized to Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) for development of CGD network. As per MWP, the CGD entity has to provide 2,25,000 PNG (Domestic or D) connections and lay 1675 inch-km of pipeline in the GA by March, 2014. The authorized entities also supply natural gas to customers of commercial units in their GAs  as  per  the  demand  and  techno-commercial  viability.  As  on  31.01.2026,  MGL  has  provided 14,48,564  PNG  (D)  connections,  1,305  PNG  (Commercial)  connections,  and  laid  10,466  inch-km pipeline  in  the  GA.  Out  of  this,  11,66,263  PNG  (Domestic)  connections,  1,176  PNG  (Commercial) connections, and 8,972 inch-km of pipeline infrastructure are in Thane district.

Further,  the  Government  and  PNGRB  monitor  the  progress  of  CGD  networks  based  on  reports submitted by the entities. If there are any delays or shortfalls, the PNGRB advises the entity to take corrective action, which includes calling them for progress review meetings or statutory hearings under existing  regulations  to  discuss  challenges  and  the  latest  updates  on  their  MWP  targets  in  authorized GAs. In addition, Government conducts regular interactions and meetings with State Governments for the development of CGD network in respective States and address challenges in this regard.
Lok Sabha Question No. 4401 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: Development of Airports in Kerala
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 4401

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  19th March 2026 )

## DEVELOPMENT OF AIRPORTS IN KERALA

4401.    SMT PRIYANKA GANDHI VADRA Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government proposes to develop any new greenfield airports in Kerala under the UDAN scheme and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether new UDAN routes from Kannur International Airport are proposed to be operationalised and if so, the details thereof;

- (c)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  revive  UDAN  routes  from  Kannur which were discontinued post COVID and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the current  status  of  the  heliports  and  waterdromes  proposed  to  be operationalised in Kerala;
- (e)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  launch  seaplane  services  to  boost tourism and if so, the details thereof; and

(f) whether the Government proposes to regulate or cap predatory or exorbitant airfares  on  routes  from  Kerala  to  the  Middle  East  during  peak  season  for passenger welfare and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

Minister  of  State  in  the  Ministry  of  CIVIL  AVIATION            (Shri  Murlidhar Mohol)

(a)  to  (c):  Regional  Connectivity  Scheme-Ude  Desh  ka  Aam  Nagrik  (RCSUDAN) envisages providing connectivity to unserved and underserved airports of  the  country  through  revival  of  existing  airstrips  and  airports.  Further, greenfield airports are not taken up for development under the UDAN scheme.

Under the UDAN scheme, Kannur Airport is classified as a "served airport" and therefore routes connecting Kannur airport do not fall under the purview of the Scheme. However, Kannur is available in the Scheme document for connectivity with other unserved/underserved airports in the country.

(d)  &  (e):  Under  the  UDAN  Scheme,  heliports  are  taken up  for  development after their identification through a valid bid by an airline, only in Priority areas viz Himalayan, Island and North East territories. Further, 10 water aerodromes in the State, namely Ashtamudi, Banasurasagar, Bolgatty, Ikkudi  Dam, Kasaragod, Kovalam, Kumarakom, Malampuzha, Munnar (Mattupetty Dam or Changulam  Dam)  and  Punnamada,  are  available  for  bidding  in  the  UDAN document.

During UDAN 5.5, bids have been received for eight of these water aerodromes except Ashtamudi and Punnamada. Operationalisation of RCS routes from these water-aerodromes is subject to readiness of infrastructure and operator.

(f): In a deregulated aviation market, airfares are neither fixed nor regulated by the  Government  and  are  determined  by  airlines  based  on  demand-supply dynamics and other commercial considerations.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4399 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: Phase-II Strategic Petroleum Reserves and Crude Diversification
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Shri Rao Rajendra Singh, Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, Smt. Smita Uday Wagh, Smt. Aparajita Sarangi

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4399 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 th  March 2026

## Phase-II Strategic Petroleum Reserves and Crude Diversification

4399. SHRI RAO RAJENDRA SINGH:

SMT. SMITA UDAY WAGH:

DR. SANJAY JAISWAL :

SMT. APARAJITA SARANGI:

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũी

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

- (a)  the  progress  made  in  the  construction  of  Phase-II  Strategic  Petroleum  Reserves  at Chandikhol and Padur and the total number of days of import cover currently maintained by the country;
- (b) the strategy of the Government for diversifying crude oil imports during 2026 in order to mitigate volatility in international prices and geopolitical tensions;
- (c)  whether  there is  any  proposal  for  adopting a  "Commercial-cum-Strategic"  storage  model involving private global oil companies to enhance storage capacity without imposing additional fiscal burden; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## पेᮝोिलयम और ᮧाकृ ितक गैस मंᮢालय मᱶ रा᭔यमंᮢी ( ᮰ी सुरेश गोपी )

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

(a)  In  July'2021,  the  Government  approved  the  establishment  of  two  additional  facilities  for commercial  cum  strategic  storage  with  total  storage  capacity  of  6.5  MMT  at  Chandikhol  (4 MMT) in Odisha and Padur (2.5 MMT) in Karnataka.

Work for construction at Padur has been awarded on 01.10.2025.

The current total national capacity  for  storage  of  crude  oil  and  petroleum  products  is  74  days which includes capacity  of storage facilities of the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) of 64.5 days.

(b) To ensure security of crude supplies and to mitigate the risk of dependence on crude oil from single region, Oil and Gas Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) which are Board run entities source crude  oil  from  diverse  sources  depending  on  their  technical  and  commercial  considerations. Currently,  these  PSEs  import  crude  oil  from  41  countries  including  new  suppliers  like  USA, Nigeria, Angola, Canada, Columbia, Brazil and Mexico in addition to traditional suppliers in the Middle East such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar.

(c) & (d) In July 2021, the Government also approved the commercialization of Phase - I SPRs by allowing ISPRL to undertake following commercial activities with 50% of the total reserves capacity while keeping balance 50% capacity as Strategic:

- a.     Leasing/Renting  of  30%  of  overall  oil  storage  capacity  of  caverns  to  Indian  or  foreign companies with the condition that in case of any exigency, the GOI will have the first right on the entire crude oil stored in the caverns.
- b.    Sale/purchase of crude oil up to 20% quantity of overall oil storage capacity of caverns to Indian companies.

*****