Gadkari calls for fast-tracking award and construction of NHAI projects

The Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari has emphasised on fast-tracking the award and construction of National Highways projects. In a review of NHAI projects, Gadkari reportedly said that while a record 16,271 km of NHs have been awarded and 8,231 km constructed during 2016-17, work needs to be done at a much faster pace to award more projects and construct those that have been awarded. Reportedly, he added that there will be an award for the best performing Project Director and Regional Officer.  The minister has said that the Mumbai-Vadodara, Bangalore-Chennai and Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressways are to be sanctioned by June 2017. Tender for 33 wayside amenities is also to be floated by June 2017. Electronic Toll Collection will be made available on all lanes on all toll plazas by March 31, 2018.  Referring to the problem of land acquisition as one of the hurdles in implementation of projects, Gadkari reportedly called for positive cooperation with the concerned state governments to tackle the issue. He also called for expeditious resolution of issues like forest clearances, appointment of independent engineers, change of scope etc.