Road projects worth Rs 4 lakh cr to start this year: Gadkari

roads

As the central government is giving priority to infrastructure development and housing to boost the economy, road projects worth Rs. 4 lakh crore will start this year, says Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping.

While inaugurating a property exhibition organised by Builders Association of Navi Mumbai in Vashi on December 12, Gadkari said, “Every year about 5 lakh road accidents occur across the county. We need better planned roads to ensure the safety of commuters. The works that had got stuck due to government rules, acquisition and other issues will be restated.”

The minister has proposed several water transport projects. “A four-lane Mumbai-Goa highway has been announced and the work on bridges has already started. We have also ensured clearances from the environment and forest ministry,” he said.

Gadkari said that the government is looking for more economical and pollution free modes of water transport, which is popular in other countries. To take this forward, the government is planning a passenger terminal at Bombay Port Trust, he informed.

Highlighting the planned SEZ at JNPT recently inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi, Gadkari said, “I have suggested to develop ship breaking industry as it has the potential to provide jobs to a lot of locals on the Konkan belt. A township will also be developed there.”