Rs 7 lakh cr to be spent to build 50,000 kms of highways

New Delhi, Jul 25: About Rs seven lakh crore would be spent to develop around 50,000 kilometres of national highways over the next five years, Government said today.

During Question Hour in Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said the Government has allocated a total Gross Budgetary support of Rs 46,834 crores including cess and toll remittance for 2016-17 for the Road, Transport and Highways Ministry.

In addition, internal and extra budgetary resources of Rs 59.279 crores have also been allowed to be raised for highways in 2016-17.

For the Ministry of Shipping, the Government has allocated a total gross budgetary suport of Rs 1,531 crore. In addition, internal and extra budgetary resources of Rs 3,183 crores has also been allowed.

"There is a proposal to spend around Rs 7 lakh crores to develop National Highways of around 50,000 kilometres in the next 5 years. For Sagarmala port development, the project cost is Rs 73,375 crore and in respect of Sagarmala port modernisation it is Rs 9,891 crore," he said.

PTI