Ring road: JDA to get NHAI funds

JAIPUR: The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) will soon receive funds from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) which will be utilised to acquire remaining land for 47-km ring road project.
After the JDA signed a revised memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NHAI on Monday, the final hurdle for the project was cleared.

A senior official source at JDA said, “Now, the JDA has to acquire land within one month and provide it to NHAI. As per the supplementary MoU, a new bank account will be opened where NHAI would deposit Rs 200 crore. In this MoU, the revised net present value (NPV) is mentioned after deducting the advance amount.”

The JDA who was reeling under financial crises had sought Rs 200 crore from NHAI in advance, to acquire 26 hectares of land. On this land, the JDA has proposed to construct clover-leaf flyovers under the 47-km Ring Road project.

Sources further said the amount provided by the NHAI will be deducted from Rs 350 crore which is proposed to be given to JDA in 10 years after the toll is levied. “As per previous agreement, NHAI would provide Rs 35 crore to JDA every year. However, now NHAI will not provide installments, till the time advance is deducted. Moreover, JDA will also have to pay 8% interest on the advance amount,”

It was necessary for JDA to acquire the remaining land as without over bridges and flyovers there was no utility of the Ring Road project. According to sources, the NHAI will spend Rs 238 crore to construct clover-leaves and flyovers. The JDA has proposed an over bridge to cross Tonk Road. Similarly, construction of clover-leaf interchanges was proposed on Agra and Ajmer roads.

The farmers whose land will be acquired to construct clover leaf on Ajmer Road have agreed to surrender their land. These farmers will be provided with developed land in the project as compensation.

However, the civic body is facing difficulties to acquire 12-hectare land at Agra Road end. “As land of many commercial establishments, including a petrol pump, will be acquired, the farmers are demanding cash compensation. It would be nearly impossible for cash-strapped JDA to provide compensation of Rs 150 crore approximately,” the official added.