The new transport minister Nitin Gadkari has ruled out creating a regulator for the roads sector stating that it would tantamount to reverting to the licence-permit regime. Gadkari, who took charge on Thursday, said his topmost priority would be to revive the roads sector and he has directed the officials to start work in this regard.
“There are 50 projects as of today which are stuck. I have asked the ministry officials and the National Highways Authority of India to take necessary actions to revive them so that road construction can be seen soon,” Gadkari said.
Gadkari took an hour-long meeting with the officials where he was told about the current performance and the challenges faced by the sector. “Another major issue, I am told is the increasing interest and escalation cost due to delays which needs to be tackled. The ministry will now engage in finding ways to reduce them,” Gadkari said.
Officials present in the meeting told FE that the ministry has been asked to prepare Cabinet notes on easing the exit policy further.
