Indian Audit Highlights Massive Disparity in Costs of Bharatmala Pariyojana Projects
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India’s recent audit report on the implementation of Phase-I of Bharatmala Pariyojana has exposed a startling discrepancy in the costs of various projects. The report reveals that the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) Board approved the Dwarka Expressway with a civil cost of Rs 7,287.29 crore, translating to a staggering Rs 250.77 crore per kilometer. In stark contrast, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) had approved a per kilometer civil cost of only Rs 18.20 crore.
Furthermore, the audit report also brings to light the approval of the Delhi-Vadodara Expressway with a civil cost of approximately Rs 32,839 crore. It is worth noting that this project was not included in the CCEA list of approved Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I projects and was instead approved solely at the NHAI Board level.
These findings shed light on the significant cost disparities and raise concerns about the decision-making processes involved in these infrastructure projects. The sheer gap between the costs approved by the NHAI Board and the CCEA is indeed jaw-dropping and demands further investigation.
The Bharatmala Pariyojana is an ambitious road development project initiated by the Indian government. It aims to construct and upgrade over 83,000 kilometers of highways across the country with an estimated investment of Rs 6.92 lakh crore. The project is expected to boost connectivity, reduce travel time, and promote economic growth in various regions.
With such a massive undertaking, it is crucial to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in project costing and implementation. The audit report’s revelations highlight potential irregularities and discrepancies, which may hinder the project’s progress and impact its overall effectiveness.
While the NHAI Board’s decision to approve the Dwarka Expressway at significantly higher costs may have been based on factors such as land acquisition and technical specifications, it is essential to maintain consistency and adhere to approved guidelines. The substantial difference between the Board’s approval and the CCEA-approved costs raises questions about the rationale behind such decisions.
This audit report emphasizes the need for a thorough review of the decision-making process and greater scrutiny to prevent cost inflation. It is crucial to identify and rectify any potential lapses, ensuring that taxpayer money is utilized efficiently and effectively.
Moreover, the approval of the Delhi-Vadodara Expressway, a project not initially included in the CCEA-approved list, indicates a potential deviation from the original plan. While the NHAI Board’s decision to include this project may have been driven by specific regional considerations, it is essential to maintain transparency and establish clear guidelines to avoid arbitrary project additions. This will help maintain the project’s integrity and ensure that resources are allocated appropriately.
The Bharatmala Pariyojana is a significant infrastructure initiative with the potential to bring about transformative changes in India’s road connectivity. To reap the desired benefits, it is imperative to address the concerns raised by the audit report promptly. The government should undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the project’s cost estimates and decision-making processes to instill confidence among stakeholders and the general public.
Moving forward, it is essential for the NHAI Board and relevant authorities to adopt a unified and consistent approach when approving project costs. This will ensure fairness, transparency, and optimal utilization of resources. By addressing the disparities highlighted in the audit report, the government can bolster public trust and maintain the momentum of the Bharatmala Pariyojana to create a robust and well-connected road network across India.
