Planning Commission faces flak for delays in road sector

Planning Commission has reportedly been criticised by members of the parliamentary committee on road transport for causing delay in decision making by NHAI and the Union Highways Ministry by raising objections to contract conditions.

The committee members also objected to the 'one-size-fits-all' approach of the plan panel on agreements to execute highway works. The committee held a review meeting of progress in road transport sector on April 2. Taking note of the NHAI flagging how plan panel's adverse observations and comments impacted projects, the members said they would soon summon representatives from the commission.

All fresh proposals and matters relating to the concession agreement are sent to the plan panel for its comments. The blame game between NHAI and Planning Commission has been on since UPA-2 came to power.

While the authority claims that there is too much interference by the plan panel, the commission blames poor execution and contract management for dismal performance of the highway sector.