Nitin Gadkari promises water projects worth crores

JAIPUR: Union minister for surface transport and highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday once again reiterated the Centre's commitment to construct the 800km long canal connecting Kandla, Jalore and Jodhpur.
Dedicating the Lalsot-Karauli-Dholpur segment of the NH-11B to the nation, the minister said that his ministry's investment in Rajasthan would reach Rs 1 lakh crore.
To end the state's perennial water problems, Gadkari said that the Centre was working on a project to build a canal to bring sea water from Gujarat to Rajasthan.
"The project is in the preliminary stage. If it becomes a reality, it will end the water woes of Rajasthan and meet both drinking and farming needs. There will never be a drought in the state," he said, adding that he would consult chief minister Vasundhara Raje and MLAs to take the project forward.
He assured that funds wouldn't be a problem for such projects.
The detailed project report (DPR) for roads worth Rs 1,100 crore - covering 312km and connecting Muhana-Hindaun-Mahuha - has been approved, he said.
The long-pending demand for a bridge over Chambal river, between Mandrayal and Sabalgarh, has also been sanctioned. The project is expected to cost Rs 200 crore.
The road connecting Agra and Sawai Madhopur has been declared as national highway.
The absence of chief minister Vasundhara Raje at the event created some uproar and some supporters started shouting and leaving the venue. Raje could not attend as she was unwell and advised rest by the doctors. Sensing the anger among local people, Gadkari kept his address short and completed it in 15 minutes.