Transport / Road transport (non-urban)

The main objective of the Project is to support Chhattisgarh Government's initiative to reform the state road sector management for more effective and efficient management of the state roads, and to ensure the efficiency of road investments and sustainable road development impacts to support the state of Chhattisgarh's social and economic development, thus reduce poverty.

The Project, through sector lending modality, will finance improvement of about 1,700 km of state roads in Chhattisgarh.Consulting services will also be provided

(i) to help CGPWD, prepare and implement the road improvement subprojects, construction supervision, capacity building and training in project management and quality control and (ii) to help GOC improve the institutional and policy frameworks of the state road institutions for good governance and better accountability of sector management, and capacity building and training in modern sector management and operation.

1. To reduce transport costs and travel times on state roads.

2. To improve access of the rural poor to social services, marketsand other economic activities.

3. To reduce road accidents, injuries, and deaths.

4. To provide effective and efficientmanagement of state and major district roads

1. Improvement of 1,249 km of state roads

2. Improvement of road maintenance funding and management

3. Establishment of a Road Management Committee

4. Staff Training and Capacity Building for road management functions

5. Increased private sector participation in road sector

Under the Project, a total of 21 civil works contracts and three consulting contracts have been awarded. Roads are being rehabilitated under two phases.

(A) Phase-I Roads:

Rehabilitation of 810 km of roads (Rajnandgaon-Mohla- Maharashtra Border, Rajnandgaon- Kukamera-Kaeardha, Bilaspur-Mungeli-Pondi, Abbikapur-Ramanujganj, Gariyaband-Bardula, Kumhari-Berla-Bemetara-Mungeli, Kapasara-Hatidad,rajkheda-Dhanwar, Ramanujganj-Wadrafnagar and Bhanupratappur-Narayanpur Kondagaon) are ongoing under 12 contract packages. The overall physical progress of civil works under Phase I roads is 93%. Phase I roads are likely to be completed by July 2011.

(B) Phase-II Roads:

The rehabilitation of 439 km of roads (Hasaud-Sarsiwa-Saraipali, Nandghat-Mungeli, Balodabazar - Hathband-Simga, Amleshwar-Funda, Abhanpur - Rajim-Gariyaband, Rajim-Mahasamund, Basna-Bilaigarh, Dhamtari-Nagri, Dhamtari - Gunderdehi) are ongoing under 9 civil works contracts. The overall physical progress of civil works of Phase II roads is 91%. Phase II roads are likely to be completed by July 2011.

A Master Plan for state roads development has been prepared. The institutional strengthening and capacity building activities have been completed under the TA 3995. The state has already established the Road Management Committee.