Gadkari inaugurates and lays foundation stone for 33 NH projects worth nearly Rs 11,000 crore in Karnataka
Union Government to invest about Rs 1,16,144 crore in Karnataka in coming years
Bengaluru, Dec 19, 2020: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid foundation for 33 NH projects in Karnataka today virtually.
These projects include 1197 kms long roads worth Rs 10,904 crore. The event was presided over by Chief Minister Y S Yeddiyurappa, and was attended by former Prime Minister H D Devegowda, Union Ministers Shri Prahlad Joshi, Gen Dr V K Singh, ministers from the State and senior officers.
The Minister added that for providing smooth connectivity to the ports for the benefit of trade and economy, 4-laning of the entire coastal road from Goa Border to Kerala Border connecting port city of Belekeri, Karwar and Mangalore covering a length of 278 Km have been taken up at a cost of Rs 3443 crore and the work has been substantially completed.
Further, in view of the safety of road users, 3 works for improving the safety by providing protective measures on Hill slopes in Shiradi Ghat on NH-75, Charmadi Ghat on NH-73 and Sampaje Ghat on NH-275 have been sanctioned amounting to Rs.115 crore.
Gadkari informed that the Union Government shall invest approximately an amount of Rs 1,16,144 crore in Karnataka State in the coming years.
He said, 11 road projects of 275 kms worth Rs 5083 crore have been awarded in the State during the financial years 2019-21.
The Minister informed that CRF works worth Rs 8,330 crore have been sanctioned till now for the State. Annual Accrual during this year is Rs 435 crore, while total release during this year is Rs 217 Crore. He declared release of this year’s remaining Rs 218 Crore under CRF.
Mallikarjun Kharge, MP and former leader of Congress party in LS, too praised the co-operative nature of Nitin Gadkari, calling him pro-development. He requested the Union Minister to release CRF amounts to all projects in the State equally.
MoS-RTH Gen Dr V K Singh said, the projects being inaugurated today will provide better connectivity between major cities in Karnataka region. Inter state connectivity will be faster and hassle free. Further, the development of NH 66 will give a boost to economic relation of the State and link to provide connectivity to ports.
