Govt mulls setting up Expressways Authority: Nath

The government today said it is looking at setting up an authority for expressways on the pattern of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

"Expressways have to be looked at separately. So we are looking at setting up an Expressways Authority on the same lines as NHAI.

"This will provide impetus to those areas where expressways are required and we are looking at ways to partner state governments as well as the private sector," Road Transport and Highways Minister Kamal Nath said on the sidelines of a CII summit on infrastructure here.

"In the next three months, we are going to have a paper (for setting up the Expressways Authority), (and) then take it through (the) cabinet so that we can take it to Parliament," Nath added.

He said his ministry is also looking at introducing ways of financing to attract international investors in the road sector.

"India remains a very good parking lot as an investment destination. We are looking at innovative ways of financing — equity financing, debt financing, pension fund financing," Nath said.