On the lines of Ahmedabad-Vadodara expressway, constructed by Central government undertaking National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Gujarat government has chalked out plans to build its own expressway between Ahmedabad and Bhavnagar.

Speaking on the budgetary demands for road and building department, Anandiben Patel, minister of road and buildings today informed the state assembly that Gujarat government would construct its own expressway of 110 kms between Ahmedabad and Bhavnagar via Sarkhej-Pipali-Dholera. It would the first expressway to be built by the state government.

Also Read   Related Stories News Now - Four expressways to be built across the country - L&T bags Rs 1,400 cr project from NHAI - Govt to invite bids for mega road projects - One-time settlement may free Rs 10,000 cr for NHAI projects - Guj industrial estates get Rs 178 crore for infra upgradation - NHAI to raise funds from market to build 14,000 km in 2010-11

Also Read   Related Stories News Now - Firm trades continue - Rupee up 21 paise at 55.17/dollar - Reliance Infra extends gain post Q4 nos - Assange set for UK extradition verdict - Greek polls: pro-austerity parties gaining More

In the wake of increasing industrial activities, the road and buildings department intends to provide road connectivity to ports and industrial areas in Gujarat.

"Works for 15 roads involving a cost of Rs 559 crore will be kicked-off this year and we aim to complete these road projects within two years," she informed.

Nearly Rs 200 crore would be spent for connecting Bharuch to Dahej and Rs 75 crore for Morbi bypass to Navlakhi road project. In order to provide road connectivity to various special economic zones (SEZ), SIR and industrial areas, the government has approved road projects to the tune of Rs 411 crore and construction of 9 roads with expenditure of Rs 167 has been completed to cater to future growth of road traffic.

Informing that Gujarat government had availed loan of Rs 1,800 crore from World Bank during the period from 2002 to 2007 for upgradation of 1856 kms roads and World Bank was satisfied with the state government's project implementation, road and building minister further added that Gujarat government had also prepared a new plan of Rs 2100 crore and sent it to World Bank for financial assistance.

Considering the importance of road connectivity in the growth story of Gujarat, the state government has increased the allocation to road and building department by 41.06 per cent or Rs 852 crore to Rs 2927 crore in the state budget for 2010-11.

New Ipad Application :Business Standard's all new IPad App Click here to download for free Other Stories      - Firm trades continue - Rupee up 21 paise at 55.17/dollar - Reliance Infra extends gain post Q4 nos - Assange set for UK extradition verdict - Greek polls: pro-austerity parties gaining

Tags : NHAI | Gujarat government | Anandiben Patel | Special Investment Region | SEZ | World Bank   Read Business news in  Advertisements -  Journey on, We are by Your Side. Click here to know more -  Help a Child Achieve her. Click to know more -  Benefits Upto Rs. 2.36 Lakhs on the Fully Loaded TJet Petrol. -  The Best Seller is Also the No. 1 in Mileage. Click here -  Watch The Film Here. Click here to know more.. -  Leader in Passenger Car & Automobile Tyres. Click here -  1 billion in saving for Unilever without any tangles. -  Learn How One City is Running on FOOD SCRAPS. -  One Partnership Endless Possibilities. Click here to know more -  Helping doctors detect diseases earlier, saving costs & extending lives. -  36 Lakhs can get you a pool of Luxuries. Click here -  Which is the best plan for your daughter -  Check out the TRUE COLOURS of your Stocks, Now for FREE! -  One of the leading business schools in the world.Know More