Centre to infuse Rs 80,000 cr for infra works in MP

INDORE, December 19: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today announced a package of Rs 80,000 crore for Madhya Pradesh for various infrastructure works in the state including conversion of state roads into national highways and laying of a railway line. "Based on the demands made by Madhya Pradesh government, I announce here today that different roads measuring 3,782 kms will be turned into national highways with an investment of Rs 30,000 crore," Gadkari told reporters on the sidelines of the launch of the four-day long 76th session of Indian Road Congress here this morning. The Union Road Transport and Highways Minister handed over to MP Road Development Corporation (MPRDC) the responsibility of preparing a detailed project report (DPR) of these proposed highways and acquire land for the purpose and said the work of turning the roads into highways will commence from next December. "The length of the national highways in Madhya Pradesh is currently 5,194 kms and that it would go up to 8,976 kms once the new highways are built," the minister said. Gadkari announced that 1,300 km long roads in the state have been "in principle" declared as national highways. "After formalities, these roads will be formally declared as national highways, following which the task of construction will be taken up," he added. "Besides, 62 new projects worth Rs 26,196 crore will be launched in Madhya Pradesh with the help of Surface Transport Ministry. Under these projects, 3,071 km roads will be laid," the Union Minister said. According to Gadkari, his Ministry was ready to lay the proposed Indore-Manmad rail line along with stations since long time. "A proposal will be sent to the Railways in this regard shortly," he added. He said the proposed rail route will usher in development in Malwa and Nimar region and promote import ant and export as well. Areas around Indore in Malwa region sends out 47,000 containers to Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Navi Mumbai annually adding that the proposed new road line construction will speed up the transportation of freight.