Centre to infuse Rs 80,000 cr for infra works in MP

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today announced a package of Rs 80,000 crore for Madhya Pradesh for various infrastructure works in the state including conversion of state roads into national highways and laying of a railway line.
"Based on the demands made by Madhya Pradesh government, I announce here today that different roads measuring 3,782 kms will be turned into national highways with an investment of Rs 30,000 crore," Gadkari told reporters on the sidelines of the launch of the four-day long 76th session of Indian Road Congress here this morning.
The Union Road Transport and Highways Minister handed over to MP Road Development Corporation (MPRDC) the responsibility of preparing a detailed project report (DPR) of these proposed highways and acquire land for the purpose and said the work of turning the roads into highways will commence from next December.

"The length of the national highways in Madhya Pradesh is currently 5,194 kms and that it would go up to 8,976 kms once the new highways are built," the minister said.
Gadkari announced that 1,300 km long roads in the state have been "in principle" declared as national highways. "After formalities, these roads will be formally declared as national highways, following which the task of construction will be taken up," he added.
"Besides, 62 new projects worth Rs 26,196 crore will be launched in Madhya Pradesh with the help of Surface Transport Ministry. Under these projects, 3,071 km roads will be laid," the Union Minister said.

According to Gadkari, his Ministry was ready to lay the proposed Indore-Manmad rail line along with stations since long time. "A proposal will be sent to the Railways in this regard shortly," he added.

He said the proposed rail route will usher in development in Malwa and Nimar region and promote import ant and export as well.
In order to speed up the work on the stretch, a flat
ground of 25x22 metre at Budhi has been identified and trial landing of ALH helicopter has been carried out during April 2016.
Air Force authority has given an additional requirement for development of this plot which is in progress and another trial of MI-17 helicopter is planned, the official said, adding that on successful trial, landing resources will be inducted through airlift to have an additional attack point for expediting the formation work.

Sources said, once the highway is complete, pilgrims can offer prayers at Kailash-Mansarovar and return the same day barring those who want 'parikrama' of the holy mountain.
At present, pilgrims reaching there through Lipulekh Pass route have to brave inhospitable terrain and harsh weather including freezing temperatures. Moreover, it takes up to 25 days for the whole journey.
This season, only about 1,430 pilgrims in 25 batches are expected to undertake the pilgrimage to Tibet in China. Eighteen batches of 60 pilgrims each will take the Lipulekh Pass route while seven batches comprising 50 pilgrims will take the Nathu La route.

The yatra, which began this month, will continue for the next four months till the last batch of pilgrim completes the religious exercise.
For this year's yatra, more than 2,260 pilgrims had moved their applications and shortlisting was done through a computerised process. Last year, 999 pilgrims had undertaken the yatra in 23 batches via the two routes.
China and India opened the Nathu La border point in Sikkim on June 22 last year to enable pilgrims to travel to Kailash-Manasarovar by bus from the border without the ordeal of trekking and travelling on horse backs.
The agreement to open the second route was reached during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India as Prime Minister Modi wanted a second route for the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, keeping in view the terrain difficulties through the existing routes via Uttarakhand and Nepal.

The Nathu La route enables pilgrims to travel 1,500 km long route from Nathu La to Kailash by buses.
Nathu La, which means "Mountain pass with listening ears", was closed after 1962 Sino-Indian war.