Gadkari Unveils Rs 75,000 Cr Road Network To Boost Purvanchal’s Growth

Lucknow, Feb 15 (KNN) Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari lauded Uttar Pradesh's developmental progress during the inauguration of two flyovers in Lucknow on Friday, highlighting the state's emergence from its previous 'BIMARU' status under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership.

In his address, Gadkari emphasised the state's significant contribution to India's economic advancement, noting completed road projects worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore, with an additional Rs 1 lakh crore in ongoing construction and a similar amount in planned projects. 

The minister highlighted innovative infrastructure initiatives, including the Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway, which employs first-of-its-kind Automated Intelligent Machine and Guided Construction technology in India, promising pothole-free roads for a decade.

To stimulate industrial growth in the Purvanchal region, the government has proposed a comprehensive Rs 75,000 crore road network connecting Varanasi to Kolkata and Gorakhpur to Siliguri. 

Gadkari urged the state administration to expedite land acquisition and environmental clearances to ensure timely project completion. The minister also outlined plans to reduce national logistics costs from 12 percent to 9 percent, projecting a 1.5-fold boost to the economy and substantial employment generation.

The government's development strategy extends beyond traditional infrastructure to encompass alternative fuel technologies. 

Gadkari detailed initiatives promoting biofuel, ethanol, electric, and CNG vehicles as part of a comprehensive approach to sustainable development. 

He also highlighted the economic impact of religious tourism, citing the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh's Rs 3 lakh crore contribution to the state's GDP.

Addressing India's broader economic aspirations, Gadkari aligned the state's development with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of establishing India as a global leader and achieving a USD 5 trillion economy. 

The minister commended Uttar Pradesh's improved law and order situation, noting its positive impact on investor confidence, and expressed optimism about the state's potential to become one of India's leading economies.

(KNN Bureau)