Union minister Gadkari lays foundation stones for Rs 3000 crore projects

RAIPUR: Union road transport and National Highways minister Nitin Gadkari, on Tuesday laid foundation stones and performed 'Bhoomipoojan' of National Highways projects worth Rs 3000 crores at Tehsil headquarters Simga, Raipur district.
According to officials, the total length of the National Highways to be laid and upgraded will be 342 kms. The road works will be completed in two years period.
Addressing a gathering, Gadkari said road projects worth Rs 40,000 crores had been sanctioned to Chhattisgarh by the Union Ministry. The projects will go on full steam in another 18 months period. This includes 1285 kms National Highways roads and 40 bridges on Shivnath and Hasdeo rivers. Projects worth Rs 25,000 crores will be completed in two-year period.
Gadkari said he had approved all the projects forwarded by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh. Roads not only connect the hearts but also citizens are provided links with development and public utility services.
Gadkari said development is the top priority of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Expressing concern at rising road accidents across the country, the minister said a road Safety Week had been launched and the government aims at reducing accidents by 50%. It may be mentioned that 1.50 lakhs people die every year on India roads and about 3 lakh are disabled.
Gadkari said authorities are concentrating at accident-prone areas and about 720 dangerous spots had been located. He said Rs 11,000 crores had been allocated to make these areas safer for travel.
State public works and transport minister Rajesh Munat, food minister Punnulal Mohale, Tourism and culture minister Dayaldas Baghel, Rajnandgaon MP Abhishekh Singh, Bilaspur MP Lakhan Lal Sahu, Korba MP Dr. Banilal Mahato, Surguja MP Kamalnath Singh Marawi and Chhattisgarh mining development corporation chairperson Shivratan Sharma were present at the function.
Meanwhile the union minister was also chief guest at the 20th National Youth Festival held at Raipur. The inaugural address for the festival was delivered by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, via video conferencing from his Delhi residence.