Team News Riveting
Raipur, November 9
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that Chhattisgarh’s road network would match the quality of the American road network within two years.
He approved projects worth Rs 20,000 crore for strengthening and expanding road network in Chhattisgarh. It include four-laning four national highways and constructing flyovers and single lanes in Raipur. Highlighting roads as key to economic growth, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized infrastructure’s role in a stronger economy. Gadkari also encouraged eco-friendly innovations like bamboo crash barriers and biofuel, supporting sustainable development and rural farmers. He stressed the importance of cost-effective, high-quality work to help India become a self-reliant, 5 trillion economy.
The major announcements were made on the inaugural program of the 83rd Annual Convention of the Indian Road Congress organized in Science College Ground on Friday in Raipur.
Gadkari announced the sanction of funds for four-laning of national highways from Dhamtari to Jagdalpur, Raipur to Balodabazar-Sargarh, Katghora to Ambikapur and Bilaspur to Akaltara-Raigarh to Odisha border. He also sanctioned funds for construction of several single lane and two lane roads in Chhattisgarh. Shri Gadkari announced the sanction of funds for construction of flyovers at Sarona, Udyog Bhawan, Telibandha and Dhaneli junction in Raipur. He also approved one-time improvement works of three roads. Shri Gadkari also announced Rs 900 crore from Central Road Fund (CRF) for construction of roads.
Highlight the contribution of engineers as Vishwakarma of the country, Shri Gadkari said ,“All of you have a huge contribution in the building of the nation. Our Prime Minister’s mission is to make India a 5 trillion economy and make India self-reliant. For this, we will have to progress in industry and agriculture.” Hence, he emphasized on boosting transport infrastructure and capital investment in this sector propelling of employment.
Gadkari emphasized the engineer to utilized their knowledge and technology in bringing up advance quality projects in compliance of saving public money. Highlighting self-reliant technology of making a bamboo crash barrier in Chhattisgarh, Gadkari said that there this eco-friendly innovation has the capacity to replace steel. And emphaised engineers to use bamboo crash barrier instead of iron in the entire Chhattisgarh, this in return will encourage the farmers to use bamboo.
“We have made bio vitamins from straw and it is being used in Meghalaya. Recently in Panipat we have started making 1000 liters of bio vitamin and bio aviation fuel from straw. If this is made from straw or ‘para’ then a very good work will be done in Chhattisgarh,” said Shri Gadkari.
Union Minister emphasized the need for concerted efforts to reduce road accidents, urging improvements in road engineering and prioritizing road safety. He called for technical and practical measures to enhance the quality of roads and reduce accidents.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted Chhattisgarh’s rapid development and its environmental concerns, noting that the transport sector contributes 40 per cent to the country’s pollution. He urged the IRC officials to adopt an integrated approach to road development while maintaining environmental balance. The Chief Minister also expressed pride in Chhattisgarh hosting the event, marking the state’s silver jubilee year since its formation, and thanked Gadkari for approving major road projects worth Rs 11,000 crore for the state.
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister stated that Chhattisgarh’s vision is aligned with India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, aiming to double its GSDP by 2028. He emphasized that roads are crucial to the state’s economic growth and development, with a focus on expanding road networks in rural areas, improving road quality, and using green energy in road construction.
Union Minister of State for Road Transport, Ajay Tamta, reiterated the national goal of making India a developed nation by 2047, supported by an extensive road network from the Himalayas to the sea.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao praised Chhattisgarh’s natural resources and rapid development, noting the importance of road infrastructure in the state’s growth, with Union support from Shri Gadkari. He expressed hope that the convention would foster innovations in road construction and safety.
The event also featured the release of three new guidelines and a manual on road construction and safety, along with a souvenir of the Indian Road Congress.
