India to construct roads worth Rs 15 lakh crore in two years: Gadkari
May 8, 2020: Union minister for road transport & highways (MoRTH) and MSMEs, Nitin Gadkari held a meeting via video conferencing with the members of SIAM Institute on the impact of Covid-19 on the auto sector and informed that he has set a target of constructing roads worth Rs 15 lakh crore in the next two years.
He said, his ministry is working overtime to clear all arbitration cases with concessionaires.
May 8, 2020: Union minister for road transport & highways (MoRTH) and MSMEs, Nitin Gadkari held a meeting via video conferencing with the members of SIAM Institute on the impact of Covid-19 on the auto sector and informed that he has set a target of constructing roads worth Rs 15 lakh crore in the next two years.
He said, his ministry is working overtime to clear all arbitration cases with concessionaires. It was attended by MoS Gen (Retd) V K Singh, secretary RTH Giridhar Aramane, and senior officers of MoRTH.
During this interaction, members expressed concerns regarding various challenges being faced by industry amid Covid-19 pandemic along with few suggestions and requested support from the government to keep the sector afloat.
#LiveNow Interaction with members of SIAM Institute https://t.co/sMu3ANv9tf
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) May 7, 2020
Gadkari suggested to focus on enhancing liquidity in business, as ups and downs are common. He added that one need to plan for bad times while working for growth. Gadkari also said that industry should focus more on innovation, technology and research skill to become competitive in global market.
The minister responded to the questions from representatives and assured all possible help from the government. He informed that he would take up the issues at the appropriate level in the government and other departments.
He informed that he has directed the ministry officials to finalise the auto scrapping policy quickly, and said, it will go a long way in cost reduction. He also suggested exploring cheaper credits including foreign capital for enhancing liquidity in the automobile manufacturing sector.
On the question of BS4 vehicles, he said, the government is bound by SC verdict on the same. However, on industry suggestion, he will get the matter examined afresh. Regarding relaxations sought on other regulations, Gadkari stated that he will endeavour to provide relief wherever possible where the industry is seeking an extension of time.
