Giving priority to high traffic density corridors: Govt

According priority to completion of work at the high traffic density corridors across states, the government has taken a number of initiatives including streamlining green clearances, Parliament was informed today.
"The government has taken initiatives to expedite continuity of works which includes complete all pre- construction approvals prior to award of projects," Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Krishnapal Gurjar informed the Rajya Sabha.
Steps taken by the government also include streamlining the process of grant of environment clearances by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, facilitating exit to equity investors to unlock growth capital for utilisation in future projects.

The government has also allowed rescheduling of premium paid by the concessionaires in respect of highway projects.
Responding to another query the minister said that the government in February, 2009 has approved a Road Requirement Plan for improvement of road connectivity in Left Wing Extremism affected areas.
The government has recently incorporated a new company - National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation - for fostering regional connectivity exclusively dedicated for implementation of highway projects in parts of the country which share international boundaries with neighbouring countries on a sustainable basis.