NEW DELHI: The Centre on Wednesday said the target to build 30 kilometers of highways everyday would be achieved in the next two years. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari told the Lok Sabha that to be able to build 30 km everyday, his ministry needs to have 300 detailed project reports of projects ready.
The Ministry is looking at setting up a new corporation that would provide loans at cheaper rates for road projects, apart from mulling over hedging options to bring down the overall costs.
In another startling revelation, Gadkari said a whopping `1.8 lakh crore was stuck in 189 road projects across the country. Gadkari said 110 railway overbridges were also stuck for various reasons, ranging from land acquisition to clearances.
“By August 15, we will be able to find a solution to most of these projects,” the Minister assured the House. He said the focus would be on equitable development without discriminating against non-BJP ruled states. In a significant statement, Gadkari said land acquisition was holding up various projects, and that the Centre could review certain provisions of the Land Acquisition Act. “We can review the Land Acquisition Act... if there is co-operation from your side,” Gadkari said. But there would be no compromise on the compensation amount to be given to people displaced by land acquisition, the Minister noted.
Gadkari said every year over 1.14 lakh lives are lost in the road accidents. “We have identified over 450 such accidents prone spots were remedial action will be taken,” Gadkari said.