Page 45 - Construction_Opportunities_June_2024

TICKER TAPE
NHAI ESTABLISHES DEDICATED CELL TO REVIEW professionals, including Principal DPR Experts and specialists
NATIONAL HIGHWAY PROJECT DPRS in road safety, traffic, land acquisition, bridges, tunnels,
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announced the geotechnical aspects, highway design, and forestry. These
establishment of a dedicated cell to review the detailed project experts will develop mechanisms and monitoring systems to INFRASTRUCTURE
reports (DPRs) of national highway (NH) projects. This move aims ensure uniform implementation of the review process throughout
to ensure the highest construction standards, cost-effectiveness, the DPR project lifecycle. The team will also study bid documents
and timely completion of NH projects. and technical schedules, providing cost estimates based on
Located at NHAI headquarters in New Delhi, the DPR cell will design features.
provide expert inputs and enable end-to-end monitoring of Additionally, the cell will assist in planning pre-construction
DPRs for NH projects. This initiative will standardize the review activities and integrating projects with the Highway Information
mechanism, ensuring quality DPRs are prepared and reviewed Model Software (HIMS). Officials from the cell will undertake site
before project implementation. visits to evaluate proposals from DPR/design consultants and
A DPR is critical for the successful execution of NH projects, suggest innovative practices to enhance the quality of DPRs
encompassing various surveys, investigations, and designs. The relevant to each project.
new cell will finalize parameters for all highway components By preparing accurate reports, the DPR cell aims to facilitate the
according to IRC specifications and standards. development of world-class national highways, contributing to
The DPR cell will consist of a dedicated team of around 40 the nation’s growth.

BANGLADESH TO EVALUATE INDIAN AND CHINESE she added.
PROPOSALS FOR TEESTA PROJECT: PM HASINA China has conducted a physical survey for the project, while
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh announced that her India has indicated readiness to undertake further studies for its
government would assess proposals from both India and China for implementation. The project’s potential geopolitical implications,
a significant project on the cross-border Teesta River, involving the especially near India’s strategic Siliguri Corridor, have been a topic
construction of a reservoir, and would select the most beneficial of consideration.
option for the country. Regarding the long-standing issue of Teesta River water sharing
Following her recent visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister with India, Hasina expressed that resolving the matter through joint
Narendra Modi, Hasina described the trip as highly productive, efforts would ease tensions and benefit both nations.
emphasizing that the discussions held would play a crucial role “We have a historical issue with India on the sharing of water from
in strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new avenues of 54 common rivers, including the Teesta. India’s cooperation in
cooperation. developing the Teesta project will also address these concerns,”
“We have received proposals from both China and India regarding she affirmed.
the Teesta project. We will evaluate each proposal and choose Hasina underscored her government’s commitment to maintaining
the one that best serves our national interests,” stated Hasina friendly relations with both India and China, highlighting
during a press conference in Dhaka. Bangladesh’s independence in its foreign policy decisions. She
Responding to questions about her preference between India also addressed concerns about rail connectivity with India,
and China regarding the Teesta Project, Hasina stressed that stressing its importance for bilateral trade and economic growth.
Bangladesh’s decisions are guided by its developmental needs In conclusion, Hasina affirmed her upcoming visit to China,
and the potential benefits to its people. following an invitation from the Chinese government, as part
“Each proposal will be considered based on factors such as of Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international
suitability, financial viability, and overall impact on our country,” partnerships and advance its national interests.

JUNE 2024|CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES 45