Faster highways, more waterways to come: Gadkari

The central government aims to construct 30 km of highways every day in the next two years, and has also asked the industry to invest in development of inland waterways in the country, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said Saturday.

"Right now, one km of road is made in a day. We aim to construct at least 30 km per day in two years," Gadkari said at a conclave organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce.

He also said public private partnership (PPP) was needed for infrastructure projects.

"If the government had all the resources, we would not need PPP. We do not have all the resources, so we need to go ahead with cooperation," he said.

Addressing another function at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) later in the day, the minister said India was yet to tap the potential of waterways despite the fact that this mode of transport was much more cost effective compared to road and rail transport.

"The government wants to develop water ports, sea ports and bus ports to improve transport infrastructure and build satellite dry ports for connecting the land locked areas with the nearest sea and water ports," he said.

He said the government also plans to develop floating helipads and hotels which will boost tourism.

Emphasising the need to control pollution, Gadkari said the government will promote the use of biofuel, such as biodiesel and bioethanol, for public transport in cities as well as in school buses.

He said use of biogas, which can be generated from city waste, would also help curbing crude oil import.

Gadkari said the government also has plans to develop toll bridges and roadside service centres to develop transport infrastructure in the country.