News Brief
Centre To Invest Rs 1 Lakh Crore In Transforming Delhi’s Infrastructure, Says Nitin Gadkari
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, announced that the Union government will undertake infrastructure projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore to transform Delhi over the next two years.
Speaking to ANI, Gadkari stated, "I promise you that works worth Rs 1 lakh crore will be done in the coming two years; it'll change the face of entire Delhi."
The minister highlighted several ongoing initiatives under the Namami Gange scheme, which includes cleaning the Yamuna and preventing sewage water from entering the river.
However, he pointed out that some projects are delayed due to the Delhi government not providing its share of funding.
Gadkari elaborated on the Ministry of Road and Transport’s Rs 65,000 crore projects, of which Rs 33,000 crore worth of work has already been completed.
He confirmed that the remaining Rs 32,000 crore worth of work will be finished in the coming times.
He also acknowledged Delhi’s persistent air pollution and traffic congestion issues, noting that the government is working on several projects to tackle these problems.
"Our government brought electric buses, cars, and scooters--as 40 percent of Delhi's pollution is caused by fossil fuels--we brought CNG (vehicles) as well...and we will free Delhi from pollution in 5 years." he stated.
On stubble burning, Gadkari shared that there has been a 20 per cent reduction in the practice in Punjab, Haryana and areas close to Delhi.
He also highlighted the government's efforts to turn stubble into a resource, with 60 out of 400 planned CNG plants now operational.
These plants convert waste into CNG, which powers trucks and buses.
In Panipat, a project is underway to produce 1 lakh litres of ethanol from stubble, along with bio-vitamin and aviation fuel, which will further help reduce pollution in Delhi.
Gadkari emphasised that these initiatives would not only reduce pollution but also create jobs, save on imports, and improve farmers' welfare.
