Mr Nitin Gadkari

“Corrective measures are on, resulting in launch of Rs 1.8 lakh crore of projects out of Rs 2.8 lakh crore stuck due to regulatory hurdles and delays in land acquisition,” he said. Also, out of the remaining Rs 1 lakh crore-worth projects, the contractors wanted golden handshake for Rs.50,000 crore-worth projects, he said.

“Not only is a mechanism to solve all discrepancies in place but a justified model concession agreement will be in place soon,” he said.

Gadkari added that the central government has already notified cost effective usage of iron ore slags in road construction and the ministry will achieve 30-km a day road building target and would contribute two per cent to the GDP in coming years.

Further, electronic toll systems are also planned which is expected to save Rs 86,000 crore annually including Rs 60,000 crore due to fuel loss as a result of delays.

The Government is also prioritising waterways in their developmental agenda and a new legislation is underway which will give powers to the Shipping Ministry for converting any river into waterway.

“We want to encourage the production of sea planes and hovercrafts. Already, I have discussed the proposal with a British company. They have a joint venture with defence and our Goa Shipyard. They are making 70 hovercrafts,” he said. Gadkari also added that his department has taken a decision to build two dry ports—in Aurangabad and Vidarbha in Maharashtra.