The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JANUARY 18, 2022
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday called for cooperation between Central and State Governments for infrastructure development of the country. He said that the infrastructure development will play an important role in fulfilling the vision of India in becoming $5 trillion economy.
While inaugurating a Conference on “PM-Gati Shakti” for the South Zone, organized by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Gadkari said cooperation and communication needs to be enhanced between State and Centre. He welcomed suggestions from the States for making the programme a success.
Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Bommai, in his address, pointed out that the time has come to cooperate and coordinate in major mega projects of Government of India and the States. He urged the Centre to fasten clearances and relax rules in the finance sector to maximize investments.
Dr (Smt.) Tamilisai Soundararajan, LG, Puducherry, said that the multi modal connectivity will facilitate connectivity for movement of people and goods.
Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy spoke about the importance of the elevated corridor project to minimize traffic congestion, helipad services and airport facilities for people visiting Puducherry.
In his remarks, Minister of State (RTH and Civil Aviation) General (Retd) Dr. V.K. Singh said the aim of “PM-Gati Shakti” is to give a boost to multi-modal connectivity in India.
Andhra Pradesh Industries, Commerce and IT Minister M Goutham Reddy said his State, with second largest coastal corridor in the country, can contribute in realizing India’s vision of becoming big economy. Talking about PM-Gati Shakti, he said the logistics cost in India is still 14 % of GDP against the global average 8% and the Prime Minister is committed to bring this cost down. He said the programme will help achieve this goal.
The day-long event witnessed panel discussions on various aspects of the programme, involving Central & State officials and stakeholders. Participating states/UTs gave their presentation during the Conference regarding the achievements so far, action plan for implementation and improvement of logistics and infrastructure development in the respective states / UTs.
