Gadkari highlights difficulties faced in executing TN road projects

On Friday, Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari emphasised the significant challenges faced in implementing road projects in Tamil Nadu due to construction aggregate, and delayed Clearances. Gadkari sought the intervention of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin to handle the underlying problems. Gadkari specifically emphasised the issue of sourcing construction aggregate material and stalled forest approvals that are creating severe delays to the projects in Tamil Nadu. In December 2021, NHAI had declared that it was foreclosing at least four significant highway projects in Tamil Nadu as the contractors were not able to obtain soil for earthwork and had been waiting for months to get statutory approvals. Gadkari attributed the inability of NHAI deals to source construction aggregates to the bureaucratic hurdles and licensing system in the state. Gadkari additionally told the media that funding road projects is no longer a concern. They are ready to provide Rs 1,000 crore to Tamil Nadu and build all types of road projects. The Union minister applauded the proactive approach of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He said that the Kerala CM was supporting the NHAI with quick decision-making and trying to expedite the land purchase. Gadkari additionally referred to a slew of projects being implemented by NHAI in Karnataka with the full cooperation of the state government. Expressing optimism that CM Stalin will approach the issue, Gadkari said that Tamil Nadu was an economic powerhouse and developing better infrastructure would assist in increasing exports and create more employment potential. They have already urged the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary to sort out the problems. Image Source Also read: TN govt appeals to expedite land acquisition for NH service road Also read: NHAI resumes work on Delhi's Ring Road construction project