More time for road map on highways

The government may extend the deadline for working out a model concession agreement and restructuring the National Highways Authority of India.

"We have asked for a relaxation of the deadline in case of certain ideas. We think more time should be taken to think out issues," said Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia.

Speaking to reporters after a review meeting on the progress on decisions taken by the committee on infrastructure on the roads and highways sectors, he said progress had been good.

The committee, headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, was to suggest a road map for the infrastructure sector.

The road map for the roads sector "" time frames and monitorable targets"" was laid down at a meeting called by the Prime Minister in January. "We have never had that degree of detail on infrastructure sectors," he said.

On the issue of land acquisition, which had been holding up the progress of a number of projects, the committee of secretaries under the Cabinet secretary had held a meeting last week.

Chief secretaries of states, facing hindrances in road projects, were asked to expedite the process of clearances, said officials.