Gadkari expresses regret over delay in road projects in NE

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday expressed regret over the delay in road construction projects in the north-east, due to land acquisition and forest clearance issues.

The Minister for Road Transport and Highways, who dedicated to the nation the renovated and upgraded NH-44 earlier in the day, will review problems and issues faced in the execution of National Highway projects in the north-east here, over the next two days.

"Land acquisition is a big problem and since it is a state subject, state governments have to ensure that this issue is resolved," Gadkari said.

"Give us land acquisition certificates and we will make quick approvals of the projects and start work on them as soon as possible. Forest environment clearance is also important...," he said.

The minister urged state governments in the region to regularly review the progress of such projects.

"My request is to have reviews by state ministers once every month to make things easier for the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL)," Gadkari said.

The Union minister said the central government has project involvement of Rs 1.5 lakh crore in the region.

In Arunachal Pradesh, out of a total of 31 projects, there are nine with issues which will be discussed, according to PWD officials of the state.

The NHIDCL has 15 projects with land acquisition issues in at least nine district of Assam and forest clearance issues in seven districts, an official said.

PWD officials of Nagaland said there are 17 projects awaiting land acquisition clearances.