A total of Rs. 2 lakh crore will be spent on expanding as well as building new roads in Maharashtra in next five years, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Friday.
“At present, Rs. 20,000 crore are sanctioned for various road development projects in Konkan area of the state alone,” the Transport Minister said. Gadkari performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the four-laning of Kashedi-Parshuram Ghat section of the NH-66 near Hatkhamba junction.
“We not merely announce the road projects but also see to it that they get completed within stipulated period of time. We are going to complete all the road widening projects in next two years,” he said. The four-laning of the entire Mumbai-Goa highway would cost about Rs. 3,570 crore.
Gadkari said that besides development of roads, water transport will be promoted in Konkan and Goa. “The current truck container traffic on the Mumbai-Goa highway should be converted into water transport. In near future, container and shipping transport will be started on Konkan coatal line,” the minister said.Mumbai-Goa highway should be converted into water transport. In near future, container and shipping transport will be started on Konkan coatal line,” the minister said.
He said a subsidy of Rs 10 to 12 lakh will be given to small fisherman to buy trawlers replacing their old boats. “This will help them to go beyond 12 nautical miles for fishing. This will help them net more fish,” he added.
Gadkari said the highest possible rates will be given for acquisition of land for road widening projects. He also expressed the need to set up a maritime university on Konkan coast. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the NDA government believes in timely implementation of projects.
“We are planning to set up a green refinery in Konkan belt through which one lakh employment opportunities will be generated,” the CM said.
