Multi-modal transport planning will be implemented in a big way: Gadkari

The Dollar Business Bureau

After awarding a record Rs.4.5 lakh crore worth of contracts in highways segment, a multi-modal transport planning consisting of railways, waterways, airports and bus stations will be implemented in a big manner, said Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday.

“We broke all records in highways. We have awarded contracts worth Rs.4.5 lakh crore so far. We will be awarding contracts for 15,000 km of highways by March taking the highways building pace to 30 km from 20 km a day in December,” Gadkari said while addressing the reporters in New Delhi.

The Minister said that 15% increase in allocation for highways in the Budget was a welcome measure and this is the first time that a provision has been made in the Budget for multi-modal transport centers which will include air, surface, rail and water transports.

Gadkari pointed out that in most cities, airports, bus stations and railway stations are located at relatively far from each other and if all these are appropriately integrated, a lot of traffic congestion and pollution can be cut down.

The government is dedicated to establishing multi-modal centers where all transport modes - air, rail, road and waterways - are within close vicinity with each other, wherever possible.

Speaking about shipping sector he said that the Sagarmala project would be a game changer with its focus on port-led development.

This project will create over one crore jobs that include 40 lakh direct jobs and 60 lakh indirect jobs, he said, while adding that ports are being modernised and mechanised.

Gadkari said that the agenda of his Ministry is to utilise the full potential of maritime sector through the Sagarmala programme