The project involves the widening of some state highways and building 14 feeder roads that will connect with NH 34 by mid 2009.

West Bengal Corridor Development Board (WBCDB), headed by chief secretary Amit Kiran Deb, recently reviewed the progress of the project for which ADB has sanctioned Rs 350 crore. PWD is executing the project.

During the review, WBCDB members found that not much progress had been made. "Work is progressing very slowly and not according to the expected time frame. ADB will close the sanctioning of loans by June 2009, the time frame by which we have to complete the project," said an official.

ADB has made it clear that it will not sanction any more loans if the project is not completed in time. A worried WBCDB has directed contractors to speed up work.

The most important part of the project is connecting a 108-km stretch from Gajol in Malda to Hili in Balurghat on the Bangladesh border. Some more roads, 5-10 km in length, would be built. "Nearly 200 km road will have to be constructed," said an official. Officials said land acquisition problems are hindering work at some places.