No speed brakes in transport reforms

The Cabinet approved a slew of measures for the transport sector - from extending concession period for road projects to announcing new rail freight lines.

In what could be a major revival move for the languishing highway construction sector, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) allowed extension of the concession period for all stuck road projects for reasons beyond the control of the concessionaire or the delay caused by the government in giving necessary clearances. The CCEA also gave approval to segregate construction cost from cost for land acquisition, centages and pre-construction activities for the purpose of appraisal and approval of national highway projects.

For railways, the Cabinet approved an investment of Rs 8,349 crore for laying down multiple freight-specific rail lines in Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.