Parliament Question: Road Construction and Upgradation Works in Lakshadweep

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6434 ANSWERED ON 2ND APRIL, 2026 ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND UPGRADATION WORKS IN LAKSHADWEEP 6434. SHRI MUHAMMED HAMDULLAH SAYEED Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मत्रं ी be pleased to state: (a) the details of road construction and upgradation works carried out in various islands in Lakshadweep during the last ten years, island- wise. (b) the total length of New roads constructed, roads widened and roads repaired or resurfaced in this period; (c) the funds allocated, released and utilized for road infrastructure development in Lakshadweep during the last ten years; (d) the challenges faced in road construction and maintenance in island territories like Lakshadweep including land availability, terrain and climatic conditions; and (e) the steps being taken by the Government to improve road connectivity. transportation efficiency and safety across the islands of Lakshadweep?ANSWER THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI) (a) & (b) The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is primarily responsible for development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs) and also provides financial assistance to States/Union Territories for development of State roads (other than rural roads) under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) based on their priorities. There are no National Highways in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep; accordingly, no works relating to construction, upgradation, widening or resurfacing of NHs have been undertaken during the last ten years. The road network in Lakshadweep comprises internal roads, which are developed and maintained by the UT Administration. As per information provided by Lakshadweep Public Works Department, 11.889 km of roads have been constructed and 13.605 km have been resurfaced during the last ten years. (c) No funds have been allocated, released or utilised for National Highway infrastructure development in Lakshadweep during the last ten years. No proposal has been received from the UT Administration for funding under CRIF. (d) Road development in island territories such as Lakshadweep faces challenges including limited land availability, ecological restrictions, coastal and low-lying terrain, logistical constraints in transportation of materials, and adverse climatic conditions such as high humidity and saline environment. (e) Development and maintenance of internal roads in Lakshadweep are the responsibility of the UT Administration. The Central Government supports infrastructure development in coordination with the UT Administration, with emphasis on sustainable and need-based development, keeping in view the ecological sensitivity of the islands. *****