Gadkariji calls for urgent action All States Ministers

Interaction with All States Transport Ministers via Video Conferencing (28-04-2020) # Gadkari calls for clearing of blockades at inter-state borders for smooth transport of essential goods

Shri Nitin Gadkariji calls for urgent action to facilitate Inter-State border movements of Trucks/Lorries carrying essential goods to ease public life during COVID 19 pandemic

States/UTs urged expediting land acquisition and utilise funds of about Rs 25000 crore allocated for the purpose to help regain momentum in road construction through land acquisition 

Shri Gadkari ji stresses upon speeding up proactive decision making to accelerate economic development for which transport facilities serve as backbone
Planning to enhance National Highway construction on a much higher scale with 2-3 times of the present level: Gadkariji

Shri Nitin Gadkari ji suggests App-based two-wheeler taxi operations especially in rural areas

Shri Nitin Gadkariji, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and MSMEs has called upon all the States/UTs to take urgent action so that blockades of trucks and lorries at inter State/UT borders is cleared at the earliest possible as smooth movement of essential goods to various parts of the country. This is, he said, needs to be given urgent attention by facilitating the truck/Lorry movement, to ease up lives of the public in the light lockdown announced to curb COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking at the meeting of State/UT Road Transport Ministers held via Video Conference, Shri Gadkariji urged the Ministers to intervene in such matters and ensure resolutions through the local/district administrations. At the same time, he underlined following the health advisories and other guideline like proper distance, wearing masks, use of sanitizers, both by the driver/cleaners and also at the Dhabaas. 

Shri Gadkariju further pointed out that transportation of labour to factories etc may be facilitated by duly following the health protocols of maintaining minimum one metre distance, wearing masks, use of sanitizers,  etc. He pointed out that providing food and shelter to labour may be ensured fully observing the norms of social distancing and hygiene.  

Responding to a suggestion Shri Gadkariji informed that his Ministry will start a helpline to resolve the transportation issues.

General (Retd) V K Singh, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways was present.  Apart from the Transport & PWD Ministers/Dy CMs, Chief Ministers of Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh also attended alongwith Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, senior officers of the Ministry, NHAI, NHIDCL.

Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji informed that he was according top priority to the development of road/highway infrastructure and is planning to enhance National Highway construction by 2 to 3 times of the present pace in next couple of years. He urged the States/UTs to expedite land acquisition as delays hamper the pace of development and asked the them to utilise funds which are remaining unused to the extent of about Rs24-2500 crore.

Calling for speedier decision making, Shri Gadkariji said this is critical for accelerated economic development to make India an Economic Super Power and 5 trillion economy. The Minister stressed that ransport facilities/ infrastructure serves as the backbone. He said the Ministers should personally monitor the process of decision making to ensure that projects do not become victim of red-tape.

Shri Gadkariji suggested that State Transport Ministers should explore operationalising App-based two-wheeler taxis especially in rural areas which will assist farming communities with smoother movement. This will also provide new employment opportunities. They may also try shift public transport to LNG/CNG, e-vehicles which will bring considerable savings on fuel bills and will help the environment being less/zero polluting fuels.

Different CMs/DyCMs/Ministers of Sates/UTs echoed the sentiments expressed by Shri NitinGadkariji and requested that national highway projects in their Sates/UTs may be expedited. They assured full support in this regard. References were made to the specific projects pending in the States/UTs. The work being done by the Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways under the Minister Shri Gadkari ji and MoS General (Retd) Shri V K Singh came in especial praise.

A presentation was made showing the works being carried during the lockdown period. It was stated that 1315 projects covering 49,,238 kms worth Rs 5,89,648 crore were under progress, of which 819 projects covering 30,301 kms costing about Rs 3,06,250 crore were delayed. It also showed State-specific issues like pending land acquisition, environment clearance etc which have been delaying the project implementation. The participating States were suggested to take definitive steps towards mitigating the difficulties before the Highways sector.

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