CPI(M) Greater Hyderabad unit has alleged that the state government is aiming to increase the toll charges on the Outer Ring Road, even while the mechanisms that ought to be in place to keep an eye on every inch of the ORR are still to be set up. People are being penalised while contractors are being paid every penny, even after inordinate delays, the party said.
While the toll plazas are all functioning, the toll administrative buildings from where each CC camera on ORR is to be monitored, are still absent, says the CPI(M) Greater Hyderabad Central City Committee’s Secretary M.Srinivas who obtained the information on the ongoing work from the HMDA through RTI petitions.
At a press conference here on Monday, Mr.Srinivas alleged that even while the works are inordinately delayed, contractors have been paid, and awarded certificates of completion.
“Even the penalty of about Rs.20 crore charged by the Japan International Cooperation Agency has not been borne by the contractors, instead, paid by the State government. This is the first instance in the whole country where JICA has imposed penalties for delay in project completion,” he charged.
As per the information provided by the HMDA through the Hyderabad Growth Corridor Limited, none of the phases or packages of works were completed in the originally stipulated contract period of 30 months. The minimum time taken was nearly 32 months, for the 13-kilometre stretch between Bongulur and Tukkuguda. The stretch between APPA and Shamshabad took over 89 months, while the Dundigal to Shamirpet stretch took 92 months, with 1.1 kilometre still under process at Kandlakoya.
However, when sought the reasons for the delay, strangely, the reply largely said the works were completed as per the “approved schedule”, and at times, delays were in handing over the land.
“The land acquisition was complete in all respects except at Kandlakoya, by 2010. Even if 30 months was counted from then, the works should have been complete by now,” Mr.Srinivas said.
Toll buildings, toll sheds, LED lighting work in the junctions are yet to be completed, and the Highway Traffic Management System works have not yet begun. Service roads are yet to be finished in three packages, he said.
Mr.Srinivas questioned why action is not being taken against the respective contractors for the delay, and why their payments were not stopped. He demanded thorough enquiry into the delay, payments, and the resultant burden on treasury, and also asked for withdrawal of the decision to increase the toll charges.
(EOM)
