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Our Bureau

Chennai, Oct. 18 A shortage of contractors and equipment is among the primary reasons for delay in infrastructure projects, according to Mr K. Allaudin, Tamil Nadu Highways Secretary.

Addressing a road show here on Wednesday to promote Excon 2007, a trade fair on construction equipment and technology to be organised in Bangalore in November, he said that large contractors such as L&T say they are stretched to capacity for the next two years. Similarly, equipment shortage is also a serious concern.

The National Highways Authority has launched infrastructure development work, SEZs are happening and the investments are driving construction. All this contributed to the shortage of contractors.

Funds are adequately available; Tamil Nadu has allocated over Rs 2,645 crore for road development and more than Rs 800 crore for maintaining roads and bridges. Last year, after allocating similar sums only about Rs 2,500 crore could be spent because contractors were not available to take up the work. Availability of equipment was low and the pace of work not fast enough.

Mr P.S. Rajamani, President, Simpson & Co Ltd, and Co-chairman, Manufacturing Competitiveness Subcommittee, CII, said that infrastructure development was being driven by the double-digit growth in manufacturing sector. The investment in roads, ports and power sector will see infrastructure equipment business grow to about $4 billion by 2010 — double of what it was in 2005.

Excon 2007 is organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Indian Earthmoving and Construction Industry Association Ltd, between November 14 and 18. This includes a five-day exhibition, a global CEOs session on November 14 and a three-day international conference.More than 230 exhibitors are expected to showcase their products.

More Stories on : Infrastructure | Tamil Nadu

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