In a remarkable display of proactive governance, the Honorable Minister of Road, Transport, and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has issued a resolute directive to his ministry’s officials, encompassing the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL). This directive seeks to blueprint an elaborate scheme for the expeditious execution of infrastructure projects, tantamount to a colossal ₹3 lakh crore.
The genesis of this audacious decree can be traced to the comprehensive performance review of the ministry’s regional officers and a meticulous evaluation of projects undertaken by NHAI and NHIDCL. Minister Gadkari’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural development is evident as he implores these departments to synergize their efforts and chart proposals for land acquisition, thereby formulating projects valued at ₹2 to ₹3 lakh crore, structured under the Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) and Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) paradigms, with immediate effect.
With an unswerving determination to expedite these projects, Minister Gadkari sternly warns of consequential actions should any delay or project-related impediments arise, marking a resolute stance against inefficiencies plaguing infrastructure execution.
The clarion call for swift approvals and project initiation resonates with a strategic intent to alleviate the annual plan’s burden, replete with NHAI, NHIDCL, and ministry projects. In a stern pronouncement, Minister Gadkari states, “I am in the mood now that if work is not done, I will take action,” reinforcing the urgency of transparent, time-bound project commencement.
While acknowledging the diligent efforts of officers, Minister Gadkari emphasizes that regional officers and project directors bear the onus of resolving project-related challenges expeditiously. He underscores the perils of social media scrutiny and the adverse ramifications of failing to address issues swiftly, hinting at potential public ire and media censure.
Moreover, Minister Gadkari seeks accountability in the realm of projects sanctioned under the old annual plan, valued at approximately ₹3.5 lakh crore. He advocates for a transformative approach to projects entrusted to state governments, advocating for thorough evaluations and potential shifts in contractors if performance falters.
The overarching ethos propounded by Minister Gadkari’s directives are rooted in the principles of transparency, cooperation, and above all, accountability. These pillars will form the bedrock of project execution as India’s infrastructure landscape undergoes a transformational resurgence.
Source PTI
