World class road infrastructure top on government priority

New Delhi, Nov 24 (UNI) Emphasising the creation of a world class physical infrastructure as one of its major objectives, the government today said it had put on the fast track the plans of expansion and modernisation of ports and roads.

''With its plans of expansion and modernisation of ports and roads through various initiatives, the infrastructure sectors are gearing up to fulfil their roles in the economic development of the country,'' Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister T R Baalu said.

Mr Baalu was addressing the members of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to his ministry.

The minister briefed the members about the status of the various road development projects under the NHDP Phase-III and Phase-III A.

He said the government had already granted approval for 4-laning of 4000 km of highways at an estimated cost of Rs. 22,000 crore and approval for 6000 km was in process.

Under the NHDP Phase III, 71 National Highways stretches are being developed which will help smoothen traffic in high density traffic corridors and also connect places of economic and commercial importance.

Mr Baalu said 68 stretches of a total length of 6,139 km had been identified under the NHDP Phase III-A.

Action has also been initiated for approval of Phase III-B so that all viable stretches can be taken up for implementation on a priority basis.

Underscoring the importance of development of road projects in the North-East, he said a special development programme had been prepared for the region.

Replying to the questions raised by the MPs, Mr Baalu said close monitoring of the projects had been given a high priority and all efforts were being made to expedite works.

UNI SKS SRS KN1925