My target is to achieve 100 kms per day of highway construction from present level of 40 kms per day in coming times, said Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways, GoI during Plenary Session on “Infra - Connectivity: To Fast Track Economy” as part of CII Annual Meeting 2021 organised virtually.
“To reduce vehicular congestion on existing highways, we are focusing more on greenfield expressways. Across these green alignments, we want to develop logistics parks, smart cities, industrial hubs, infrastructure clusters etc” said Hon’ble Minister. “We need support of CII to connect us with Foreign Investors willing to participate in these green projects”.
“Within three months we are going to finalize the technology for replacing toll plazas in the country, which is going to save us hundreds of crores and make travel hassle-free for the commuters”, said Shri Gadkari.
Hon’ble Minister opined that the decision-making process and delays are the two main problems hurting the growth of infrastructure. Therefore, the prime push of this government is to have time-bound, result oriented, transparent and corruption free system, he added. He also requested Industry to give suggestions on reducing delays.
“Asset monetization is key to meet finances for our projects and we are confident that NHAI will be able to raise Rs 1.40 lakh crores per year from existing highway projects”, said Shri Gadkari.
Emphasizing on replacing diesel fuel, he requested contractors to use green fuels such as ethanol, CNG etc for construction equipment and offered to provide advances to for green construction equipment.
Hon’ble Minister sought CII’s support and guidance in reducing construction costs for highways through innovative financing models and innovative technology.
Mr Vinayak Chatterjee, Chairman, Feedback Infra Private Ltd moderated the Session. Also, present were Mr Ajit Gulabchand, Chairman and Managing Director, Hindustan Construction Company; Mr D K Sen, Whole Time Director & Head Infrastructure, Larsen & Toubro Ltd; and Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
11 August 2021