Guwahati: Union minister for Road Transport and Highways in India, Nitin Gadkari announced on Friday that the Centre will distribute funding totaling Rs 2 lakh crores in the following phase for improvements in the Northeast, post 2024 in a series of significant decisions made at a conference in Guwahati.
Union Minister Gadkari spoke to the media at the Hotel Radisson Blu and pleaded for the help of all the Chief Ministers of the Northeastern states to advance the region’s development to new heights at the conclusion of a significant review meeting.
He began by addressing the issue of ethanol being mixed with gasoline and urging for more production. He declared, “The manufacturing of ethanol needs to be prioritised. The proportion of ethanol in gasoline will be raised. We’ll use bamboo and paddy seeds to make ethanol.”
Gadkari then had plans to construct an airport-style bus port with cutting-edge amenities in order to improve connection throughout the Northeast. After 2024, the Center will give funds totaling Rs 2 lakh crore for Northeast development, he said.
“Developmental activities of Rs 3 lakh crores in the Northeast will be completed before 2024,” he continued.
Tackling questions on the use of FAStags at toll booths, the Union minister laid down plans for replacing it with a technology to read number plates and deduct toll amounts directly from the linked bank accounts. “Toll tax will be collected at toll gates through a new digital system soon,” he said.
Gadkari said when asked about toll fees: “If you want nice facilities, you have to pay taxes. The proceeds from toll taxes will be used for additional development projects.”
Nitin Gadkari said, “Projects worth Rs 24,000 crore are currently under construction in Assam. Projects totaling many thousand crores have been started all over the Northeast. Prior to 2024, we want to complete each of these projects. The Center is concentrating on building national highways.”
“The Northeast region will have a new look at the conclusion of all the initiatives. Several logistics parks are currently being built. Five of the 35 ropeways in the Northeast’s total will be in Assam,” added Gadkari.
Gadkari continued, “At least 50 vistas will come up for tourists throughout Northeast,” with a firm will to fulfil his promises. In the Northeast, road projects of Rs. 2, 60,000 crores are being worked on. Parking Plazas will be built to address the parking space issue.
It should be mentioned that the Union minister met with a number of high-ranking government representatives at the Radisson Blu Hotel, where he discussed the status of a number of projects, including the progress of construction on the National Highways.
He reportedly examined the progress accomplished and scolded many officials for their incapacity to move the works forward.
Gadkari further warned officials that they will face difficulties at the time of promotion if they did not mete out their duties in the desired way.