Latest news with #HybridAnnuityModel
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Prioritise roads that boost economy and connect villages: Bawankule to PWD
Nagpur: Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday directed Public Works Department (PWD) to develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) for road construction works in Maharashtra, based strictly on urgency and necessity, in line with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's directives. He emphasised that only those roads that significantly improve the quality of life in rural areas should be prioritised. "PWD must identify and plan works that genuinely reflect urgency, and create roads that uplift the lives of people in villages. The SOP should ensure that development is not random but guided by clear policy and necessity," Bawankule said during a departmental review meeting focused on pending projects in the Amravati and Nagpur regions. During discussions, Bawankule instructed Amravati officials to submit a proposal under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) for the Achalpur–Badnera–Yavatmal road project, reflecting the govt's push for rapid infrastructure execution aligned with economic priorities. PWD minister Shivrendra Bhosale, who also attended the meeting, underscored that roads enhancing Maharashtra's economic growth will be prioritised. "While connecting villages remains important, roads that accelerate economic development—particularly those supporting tourism and trade by linking to ports—will be given special attention," he said. The high-level meeting was held at Bawankule's office in Mantralaya, with PWD Secretary Sanjay Deshpande, department officials, and chief engineers from Amravati and Nagpur divisions attending via video conference.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Science
- Hans India
Highway Slope Collapse on NH-66 in Kerala: What Happened and What's Next
On 16 June 2025, a geotechnical failure involving the collapse of slope protection systems was observed along the Chengala–Neeleshwaram segment of National Highway-66 (NH-66). The collapse was specifically seen in the Cherkkala region of Kasaragod district, Kerala. Preliminary analysis indicates that the failure resulted from deficiencies in geotechnical design, substandard slope stabilization measures, and an inefficient surface and subsurface drainage system. The implementing agency, M/s Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd., serving as the concessionaire under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), has been disqualified from participating in subsequent infrastructure tenders. This action was taken in response to their non-compliance with slope protection standards and the absence of an effective hydrological management strategy. A Show Cause Notice has been issued, proposing a one-year debarment and imposition of a monetary penalty up to ₹9 crore under relevant contractual and regulatory provisions. As per the HAM agreement, the concessionaire is obligated to maintain and operate the highway section for a 15-year period. Consequently, the remediation and reconstruction of the failed slope protection infrastructure will be executed at the concessionaire's own expense. In response to the incident, an interdisciplinary expert committee has been constituted. This panel includes a senior scientist from the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), a retired faculty member from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Palakkad, and specialists from the Geological Survey of India (GSI). The committee has been mandated to conduct an in-situ investigation, assess the engineering design parameters, and propose evidence-based remedial and preventive measures in alignment with contemporary geotechnical and hydrological engineering standards. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is actively undertaking all necessary interventions to ensure risk mitigation, engineering compliance, and long-term slope stability across vulnerable sections of NH-66.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Plans afoot to modernise 18.4K km rural roads: Minister Danasari Anasuya
HYDERABAD: Panchayat Raj & Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya alias Seethakka on Tuesday instructed officials to prepare an action plan to invite tenders for the modernisation of rural roads under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) within 15 days. During a review meeting with the officials on various developmental works, the minister revealed the government's plan to modernise 18,472 km of rural roads. 'Of this, 7,947 km will be modernised in the first phase.' She also revealed that the government will soon issue guidelines on the HAM to be adopted for this project. 'Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh governments have adopted the HAM mode for executing various works. We will send teams of officials to those states to study their model,' she added. During the meeting, it was revealed that the government has already sanctioned Rs 1,800 crore for various works under the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). 'This year, priority is being given to the construction of Anganwadi centres and gram panchayat buildings under this scheme. The government intends to construct 1,440 gram panchayat buildings and 1,440 Anganwadi buildings this year,' she said while directing the officials to cancel works that were not grounded for a long time. Revealing that the file pertaining to the transfer of Mandal Parishad Development Officers (MPDO) reached the Chief Minister's Office and payment of vehicle allowance is with the Finance department, the minister said that these files will be cleared soon.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Another firm debarred for shoddy NH work in Kerala
KOCHI: After KNR Constructions Ltd, another concessionaire faced punitive action for faulty construction work as part of the widening of the NH-66 in Kerala on Tuesday. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) debarred Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd from participating in future bids, following the collapse of slope protection work at Cherkkala in Kasaragod along the Chengala-Neeleswaram section. The incident on June 16 was caused due to 'improper design, inadequate slope protection works and poor drainage system', the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways said in a statement. The concessionaire failed to execute adequate slope protection works and ensure a proper drainage system to mitigate such risks, it said. 'A show cause notice has been issued to the concessionaire for debarment of one year, besides levying a penalty of up to Rs 9 crore,' it said. The project is on Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), where the concessionaire has to maintain this section for 15 years and will reconstruct the slope protection works on its own cost.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
NHAI debars Megha Engineering for Kerala NH-66 lapse
National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has debarred Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) for one year from participating in future bids. An official statement said the debarment is due to MEIL's failure to execute adequate slope protection works and make a proper drainage system in Kerala's Chengala - Neeleshwaram Section of NH-66. A show cause Notice has also been issued to the MEIL for debarment of one year including levy of monetary penalty of up to Rs 9 crore. MEIL has been tasked with widening the making 77 Kilometers stretch NH 66 from Chengala-Neeleshwaram; Neeleshawam-Thaliparmba. 'An incident of collapse of slope protection works at Cherkkala in Kasaragod district was reported on Chengala - Neeleshwaram Section of NH-66 in Kerala on June 16, 2025. The incident was caused due to improper design, inadequate slope protection works, and poor drainage system,' the statement said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Hidden Camera Reveals Hotel Bedding Dirty Secret Blissy Learn More The project is on Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), where MEIL has to maintain this section for 15 years and will reconstruct the slope protection works at their own cost, the statement added. An expert committee has also been tasked with suggesting detailed remedial measures for the project.
