Madhya Pradesh State Roads Sector Project II

Implementation delay. The project implementation initially experienced delays mainly due to slow mobilization by the civil works contractors, even though the pre-construction activities were carried out in a timely fashion by MPRDC (Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation). Subsequently, the termination of a poorly performing contractor and procurement of a new contractor for completing the balance of works, and the addition of three new subprojects in 2009 - 2010 further affected the implementation schedule. Nonetheless, ten civil works packages were completed before original loan closing date, whilst the others were completed about 8 months before the extended loan closing date. This was achieved by close coordination between MPRDC and ADB in identifying issues and preparing action plans to expedite the implementation and recoup time lost. Consequently, the contractors improved their planning and mobilized additional resources. The supervision consultants closely monitored the progress achieved by the contractors on the action plan. The recouping of time lost was facilitated by MPRDC through early decision-making and fast processing of payments. Timely identification of the issues, formulation of suitable action plans and close monitoring of progress helps improve project implementation.