AGENCIES
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has said that there is a marked improvement in the pace of works relating to National Highways.
Replying to a query during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, he said, the speed of works has increased from two kilometres a day earlier to 30 kilometres now, a 15-fold increase. He listed out the problems for the delay as land acquisition, securing various clearances and financing by banks. He informed the house that there is a remarkable improvement in the financing side now. To another question, he replied that air pollution in Delhi will significantly reduce as the new National Highways projects including those connecting the Airport will check fuel emissions.
To a question on the stringent laws on road safety, he said, the recent legislation on motor vehicles including the increased penalty for traffic violation is not to generate revenue but to reduce loss of lives. He also informed the house that one thousand driving schools across the country have been given approval.