Additional 1,113 km stretch to be added to NHDP

New Delhi, May 18 (UNI) The Union Cabinet tonight gave its approval for inclusion of 1,113 km of National Highways for upgradation under National Highways Development Project (NHDP)-Phase III over and above the length of 10,000 km.

With this, the total length of the National Highways to be upgraded under NHDP-Phase III would be 11,113 km.

The additional stretch of 1,113 km would be constructed on build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis and would cost Rs 7257 crores on the basis of the current price (2005). Out of this, the government would invest Rs 3170 crore and private sector Rs 4087 crore, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi told mediapersons after the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The cost of upgradation of 10,000 km is estimated to cost Rs 55,000 crore (at 2004 prices).

The project would be implemented during the tenth and eleventh plan period.

Mr Dasmunsi said the upgradation of existing road will improve traffic safety and provide faster movement of vehicles with improved riding quality and time.

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