Patna: A fact-finding mission of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) visited Bihar last week and held discussion with senior officials of the Bihar state road development corporation (BSRDC) recently to oversee feasibility of five road projects.
The projects, which were sanctioned by the state cabinet last month, include Bangabga-Jethian-Gehlor-Bindus road (41.256 km), Ara-Ekauna-Khaira-Sahar road, (32.263), high level bridge & approach road Hathouri-Atrar-Bavangama-Aurai Road(21.30), Chhapra-Manjhi-Darauli-Guthani road (72.183) and Asarganj-Sambhuganj-English Punsiya-Dhoraiya road (58.473) under Bihar state highway project (IV) phase-2.
Bihar Govt seeks ₹1,800-Cr loan from ADB
The visit of ADB’s fact-finding mission is part of the prerequisite for approval of loan for any project. The state government has planned to seek a loan worth ₹1,800 crore from the ADB to complete the five projects, which will together cost around ₹2,900 crore, which includes ₹1,100 crore on land acquisition and the rest on civil construction. The ministry of external affairs has approved the Bihar government’s plan of seeking loan from external borrowers.
Also Read: Stage set for building 6-state highways in Bihar with loan from ADB
Managing director of BSRDC Shirsat Kapil Ashok expressed his satisfaction over his deliberation with the ADB team and evinced confidence about launching the work on all schemes soon.
ADB team discusses DPRs of 5 road projects
The fact-finding mission has discussed in detail about the detailed project reports (DPRs), cost of the project including activities like environmental and social safeguard. The Team was led by Yidan Luo, transport specialist of ADB. Along with her, Jagir Kumar, senior transport officer, Kai Wei Yeo, principal portfolio management specialist, Prasath Sanjeewa, procurement specialist, Laureen Laurito, senior safeguards specialist and Iris Millendez, senior safeguard officer (environment) were other members of the mission.
Also Read: Govt plans urban amenities in Ganga’s bed, river experts cry foul
During its visit to the state, the mission members made site inspection of three projects, Ara-Ekauna-Khaira-Sahar road, Chhapra-Manjhi-Darauli-Guthani road and Asarganj-Sambhuganj-English Punsiya-Dhoraiya road, to be built by the BSRDC and discussed financial plan including cost shares. The team also inquired about the state government’s readiness to launch land acquisition process and all other statutory clearances like environmental and forest clearances.
Bihar Govt yet to sign loan agreement with ADB
A senior officer of the BSRDC said that the ADB, headquartered in Manila would sanction the loan up on recommendations of the fact-finding mission. The state government is yet to sign an agreement with ADB for getting a loan. The bid for the proposed roads shall be under FIDIC and EPC Mode. “Besides, as a part of the loan, ADB also agreed to study the real time monitoring of the project as well as study on an e-mobility plan for future course of action for a green environment.
