State to convert Highways into revenue earning roads

Bangalore, Oct 15 (UNI) In a major decision, the Karnataka government has planned to convert over 1,500 KM length of state's Highways developed recently into revenue earning toll roads, Public Works Minister C M Udasi said here today.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Udasi said this would include the 140-KM Bangalore-Mysore road.

Strongly defending the decision of the state government, he said 'People never mind paying for quality roads'.

Denying that the decision of the state government would be resisted by the people, the minister said the revenue earned through the toll would be utilised for improvement and maintenance of state highways.

''The toll amount for using the highways will be in line with the levy being charged under National Highways toll roads'' he said.

He said the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has released Rs 750 crore to the state for various departments. Public Works Development would receive Rs 300 crore out of it.

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