New Delhi:
Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and MSMES Nitin Gadkari 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 for smooth movement of essential goods.
This, he said, needs to be given urgent attention by facilitating the truck/lorry movement, to ease up lives of the public in the light of lockdown announced to curb COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking at the meeting of state/UT Road Transport Ministers held via video conference, Gadkari urged the ministers to intervene in such matters and ensure resolutions through the local/district administrations.
He underlined the health advisories and other guideline like proper distance, wearing masks, use of sanitizers, both by the driver/cleaners and also at the Dhabaas. Gadkari 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 while fully observing the norms of social distancing and hygiene.
Responding to a suggestion Gadkari informed that his Ministry will start a helpline to resolve the transportation issues. He 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 with them to the extent of about Rs 25000 crore.
Calling for speedier decision making, Gadkari said this is critical for accelerated economic development to make India an economic super power and 5 trillion economy. The minister stressed that transport facilities/ infrastructure serves as the backbone of our economy. He said, the ministers should personally monitor the process of decision making to ensure that projects do not become victim of red-tape.
