Question

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has flagged irregularities in which scheme of NHAI?

• A. PM KISAN
• B. Bharatmala programme
• C. Sagarmala programme
• D. PM DISHA

Hint:

The Bharatmala programme is a large-scale national highway development initiative, and its successful execution is crucial for boosting trade, mobility, and regional development.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has flagged irregularities in the Bharatmala programme. The Bharatmala project is aimed at improving India's road infrastructure, but issues related to planning and execution have raised concerns regarding its efficiency and transparency.

Answer 2

CAG Audit Findings on Bharatmala Pariyojana:
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has identified significant irregularities in the Bharatmala Pariyojana, a flagship highway development program implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The audit report, presented in Parliament in August 2023, highlights several critical issues in the planning, execution, and financial management of Phase-I of the program.

Key Irregularities Identified:
- Non-compliance with Tendering Procedures: Projects were awarded to bidders who did not meet the tender conditions or submitted falsified documents. Some contracts were granted without approved Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) or based on faulty DPRs. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

- Cost Overruns: The sanctioned civil cost escalated to ₹23.89 crore per kilometer, compared to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved cost of ₹13.98 crore per kilometer. Similarly, the sanctioned pre-construction cost rose to ₹8.28 crore per kilometer from the approved ₹1.39 crore per kilometer. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

- Deficiencies in Appraisal and Approval Mechanisms: High-cost projects like the Delhi-Vadodara Expressway and the Dwarka Expressway were not assessed by the CCEA or the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), bypassing essential scrutiny levels. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

- Diversion of Funds: Poor monitoring of escrow accounts led to the diversion of ₹3,598.52 crore by concessionaires, indicating lapses in financial oversight. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

- Inclusion of Incomplete Projects: Existing incomplete projects from the National Highway Development Project (NHDP) were incorporated into Bharatmala Phase-I without resolving prior issues, leading to further delays. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Conclusion:
The CAG's audit underscores the need for stringent adherence to established procedures, thorough project appraisal, and robust financial management to ensure the success of large-scale infrastructure initiatives like the Bharatmala Pariyojana.