UP pegs new roads outlay at Rs 7,100 cr

To improve surface transport connectivity across Uttar Pradesh, the state government has pegged the outlay at Rs 7,100 crore on construction of roads in the current financial year.

Roads and highway infrastructure has been one of the main priorities of the Mayawati government apart from power sector for ushering in speedier economic development.

Meanwhile, financial approvals to the tune of Rs 5,000 crore had been issued till last month for new roads. Rs 2,000 crore would be incurred on the widening and up-gradation of existing roads, Public Works Department minister Naseemuddin Siddiqui said.

The Bridge Corporation is constructing 242 bridges in Uttar Pradesh, which would entail a total investment of Rs 245 crore. In a review meeting here, the minister reprimanded the officials for the slow progress of civil works under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

He said under the central scheme, a paltry Rs 11 crore had been spent against the targeted spent of Rs 800 crore. Besides, 69 new bridges were yet not open for use. Uttar Pradesh had received Rs 465 crore for 25 civil works from the Centre.

The state is following the public-private partnership model in upgradation and maintenance of State Highways and has taken up the project entailing a cost of Rs 12,625 crore.