Nagpur.
The Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari declared that a enormous investment of Rs 5 lakh crore would be made in the road sector in the coming five years.
Former Guardian Minister of Nagpur city, Nitin Gadkari declared this while inaugurating the eighth Rubber Expo and Tyre Show (IRE) in Delhi.
The Union Minister claimed that from building a mere two kilometers of roads a day, the new government would build 30 kilometers roads a day in two years.
Gadkari reiterated the enhanced role of the private sector in infrastructural projects through Public-Private-Partnership (PPP). He added that the government would extend its full support to the industry, including lowering of the interest rates.
According to Nitin Gadkari, the new government is taking a number of steps to boost infrastructural projects. He added that they want to build more ports. They also intend to increase the port capacity using the PPP route.
Gadkari also claimed that the government is determined to significantly lower the number of deaths due to road accidents through introduction of newer safety measures. At present the number of deaths due to road mishaps is very high. There are almost five lakh road accidents in which 1.50 people lose their lives. He claimed that they want to improve quality of roads. He also added that they are sincere and determined to reduce accidental deaths.
According to Nitin Gadkari, there is a move to amend the Motor Vehicles Act in order to make road journey safe and procedures simplified and transparent for licensing, and road permits etc. He claimed that the government would encourage use of technology in making the road journey safe.
While speaking at the event, President of All India Rubber Industries Association Mohinder Gupta said that a number of steps are needed from the government to boost the sector.
He suggested a separate Rubber Commissioner to look after interest of the consumer industry and formation of a separate Export Promotion Council for the rubber products besides duty free imports of raw materials which are not manufactured in India. High import duty, as much as 20 per cent on natural rubber has been an area of great concern for the industry, Mohinder Gupta said. The three-day Rubber Expo is showcasing India’s prowess in the rubber industry in its various facets.
A total number of 325 exhibitors are participating in the show with a strong presence from the UK, France, the US, Italy, Germany, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Taiwan, China, South Korea and Malaysia.
