Latest news with #RoadTransport
NDTV
18-07-2025
- NDTV
Himachal Chief Minister Unfurls 108-Feet Flag At Jakhu Hanuman Temple
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday unfurled a 108-feet-tall religious flag (pataka) at the historic Jakhu Hanuman Temple in Shimla. The Chief Minister called the installation a mark of deep-rooted devotion and Himachali tradition, while also reiterating that the state government is accelerating relief and rehabilitation efforts in the wake of recent monsoon devastation. He once again urged the Union Government to provide a special relief package for the disaster-hit state. Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Chief Minister Sukhu said that, keeping in mind the environmental aspect, the government would beautify the temple and install a large statue of Lord Ram after obtaining Forest clearance. "Jakhu Temple has historic significance. It already houses the world's tallest statue of Lord Hanuman, and now, with this 108-feet-tall flag, perhaps the tallest of its kind, we have once again shown our devotion. This symbolizes our faith, culture, and traditions. We, the people of Himachal, are the living expression of that faith," he said. Senior priest of the Jakhu Temple, B.P. Sharma, highlighted the spiritual significance of the event. Sharma said, "On the auspicious occasion of Ashtami in the holy month of Shravan, the flag was hoisted". He added, "This flag is taller than the statue itself and can be seen from far and wide. On regular days, we see 20,000 to 25,000 devotees visit daily, although numbers are lower now due to the rains. There is also discussion about installing a large idol of Lord Ram, but a survey will be conducted first to ensure the mountain's stability before any decision is made". The Chief Minister also revealed that plans are underway to install a grand statue of Lord Ram near the temple, but the project is currently held up due to forest clearance issues. "I have given directions to explore the possibility of installing a large idol of Lord Ram here. However, due to forest restrictions, we will need clearance. While that process is underway, we will immediately work on beautifying the temple premises. A blueprint will be prepared to improve parking and seating facilities. The work will be done in a way that protects the environment and upholds the spiritual sanctity of this sacred place," he added. When asked about the ongoing monsoon devastation, CM Sukhu asserted that his government is working at full speed to restore normalcy. "I want to clarify that there has been no lapse in our restoration and relief work. We are even coordinating with former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur since his constituency has suffered extensive damage," Sukhu said. "I have briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman about the scale of destruction in Siraj, Karsog, Dharampur and other areas. Rising above party politics, I have requested a special relief package for Himachal," he emphasized. He expressed hope that the Union Home Minister would announce concrete assistance during his upcoming visit to the state. "The rehabilitation work is progressing rapidly. There is no dearth of food or supplies. People are also generously donating. The state government takes full responsibility for families who have suffered losses. While we cannot allot new land, wherever government land is available (except forest land), we will ensure plots are given to disaster-affected families," Chief Minister Sukhu said. He also highlighted a Rs 5,000 monthly rent assistance scheme for displaced families. "People whose homes have been destroyed and who are currently staying in government rest houses can shift to rented accommodation. If they provide written proof to the local patwari, they will receive Rs 5,000 per month towards rent," he added. "Our main aim is to ensure that roads remain open and that horticultural produce reaches the markets without delay. Instructions are being issued for the speedy clearance of roads and transport routes," he said.
Entrepreneur
08-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
This Is a Mobility Revolution: Nitin Gadkari Outlines Ambitious Overhaul of India's Transport System
You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced an ambitious vision to transform India's transportation network through advanced technologies and environmentally sustainable solutions. Gadkari laid out a sweeping roadmap that includes electric rapid transit systems, hyperloop corridors, ropeways, cable buses, and funicular railways, particularly aimed at making difficult terrains more accessible. "This is a mobility revolution," Gadkari told PTI. "We're not only focusing on big cities but also bringing advanced transport to rural and hilly regions." He said 360 ropeway and funicular railway projects are currently in the pipeline, with work underway at 60 sites, including the pilgrimage town of Kedarnath. Funicular railways, which operate like a hybrid between elevators and trains on steep gradients, are seen as critical to improving connectivity in mountainous regions. The cost of these projects ranges from INR 200 crore to INR 5,000 crore. The minister also reiterated the government's aggressive push on highway expansion and green mobility. According to Gadkari, the national highway network has increased by 60 per cent, from 91,287 km in 2013-14 to over 1.46 lakh km, as of now. He confirmed plans to convert 25,000 km of two-lane highways into four-lane routes, and said his target remains constructing 100 km of roads per day. High-Speed Corridors, which stood at just 93 km in 2014, have expanded to 2,474 km. Reducing India's high logistics cost is another key priority. "Our goal is to bring logistics cost down from 14 per cent of GDP to 9 per cent by the end of this year," he said. Lower transport costs are expected to boost trade efficiency and industrial competitiveness. On the energy front, Gadkari said 11 automakers, including Tata Motors, Mahindra, Hyundai, and Toyota, have committed to developing vehicles with flex-fuel engines capable of running on ethanol, methanol, and other biofuels. The government sees this as a vital step toward curbing India's annual INR 22 lakh crore fuel import bill and reducing fossil fuel dependency. Gadkari also discussed a pilot project in Nagpur involving a 135-seater electric bus designed for high-speed intercity travel. The bus, featuring airline-style amenities, will travel at up to 125 km/h and be equipped with rapid-charging facilities. If successful, similar electric buses will be introduced on high-demand routes like Delhi-Chandigarh, Mumbai-Pune, and Bengaluru-Chennai. India's urban centres, too, are part of the overhaul. Gadkari confirmed that cities like Delhi and Bengaluru are being considered for pilot projects involving hyperloop systems, Metrino pod taxis, and pillar-supported rapid transport. "Technology and capital are both flowing in," he said. "We are preparing India for a transport revolution." In response to environmental concerns, the government has launched roadside afforestation efforts, aiming to plant up to 25 crore trees along national highways. Gadkari said a "tree bank" is also being developed in coordination with the Ministry of Environment to facilitate tree transplantation and ensure every felled tree is replaced with five new ones. For road safety, Gadkari highlighted the deployment of AI-driven monitoring systems, drone surveillance, and precast construction materials. New three-foot-high barriers are being installed, and 670 roadside amenities are under development to improve conditions for travelers. "In the coming year, Indian highways will be at par with US roads in terms of quality," Gadkari said. "We are building the future, one kilometre at a time."
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
09-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Indian roads will match US standards in 2 years, says Nitin Gadkari
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, said on Monday that India's road infrastructure will match that of the United States within two years. He backed the claim by pointing to the government's decade-long focus on investment in the sector. "The question is not about the facelift, it has already changed. You have just watched the newsreel, the main picture is yet to start. The projects in the pipeline are progressing rapidly. In another two years, you will be able to see that Indian road infrastructure will be similar to that of America," Gadkari told ANI in an interview, when asked when Indian roads would undergo a complete transformation. He added, 'Some people from America met me and said our infrastructure is better than America.' Improved roads lower logistics costs Gadkari explained that improved highways and expressways have reduced logistics costs, thereby enhancing India's export competitiveness. "If we raise our exports, it will improve our agricultural sector, manufacturing, and services, among all other sectors," he said. He noted that India has historically faced high logistics costs—around 16 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP)—compared to 8 per cent in China and 12 per cent in the US and Europe. "Our roads were not good, our ports were not good. Traffic congestion raised costs," he said. Major projects underway Gadkari outlined several key infrastructure projects in progress, including 25 greenfield expressways, a 3,000-km highway to boost port connectivity, and ₹1 trillion worth of roads linking key religious tourism circuits. He added that the government is connecting Buddhist circuits and the Char Dham pilgrimage routes with all-weather highways. "We are developing 36 tunnels between Jammu and Srinagar; 23 have been completed, and works for another 4–5 are underway," Gadkari said. "We are developing 15 ropeways under Parvatmala Yojana, besides 35 multi-modal logistics parks." Infrastructure: The backbone of growth Public infrastructure is central to economic growth, improving connectivity, trade, and quality of life. Over the last decade, India has made significant advances in this area. The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP), launched in 2021, seeks to bring together various ministries—such as Railways and Roadways—for integrated planning and streamlined execution of major infrastructure projects. India currently has the second-largest road network in the world. Its National Highways (NH) span approximately 146,000 km, forming the backbone of national transport. According to a ministry statement released in February 2025, the network has grown substantially—from 65,569 km in 2004, to 91,287 km in 2014, and to 146,145 km by 2024.
Business Standard
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
PM Modi chairs first union ministers' meet after Operation Sindoor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting of the Union Council of Ministers in the capital on Wednesday, marking the first such gathering following the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Indias retaliatory actions under Operation Sindoor. The session was attended by key members of the Cabinet, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers J P Nadda, Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan, and Minister of State for Jal Shakti C R Patil. While official details of the discussion remain under wraps, the media reported that a detailed presentation on Operation Sindoor was made, alongside a review of each ministrys key achievements. Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 people lost their lives in an assault by Pakistan-backed terrorists. In a decisive response, Indian forces destroyed terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK, eliminating over 100 terrorists. India also hit back at Pakistani airbases following further aggression, with military action ceasing after a request from Pakistans DGMO on May 10.
Mint
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Good news! Delhi-Dehradun expressway nears completion, travel time to cut from 6.5 hours to 2.5 hours—Check details
Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Harsh Malhotra, on May 17, inspected the progress of the entire 210-km stretch of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway along with officials of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), who informed him that the remaining portions of the project would be finished within 2-3 months. It is expected to cut the journey time from 6.5 hours to 2.5 hours once operational. It is also called as National Highway 709B. It is being developed at nearly a cost of Rs.12000 crore and will begin at Akshardham in Delhi and connect Baghpat, Shamli, and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh prior to reaching Dehradun. The project consists of a 3.4-kilometer section in Dehradun, stretching from Datkali to Asharodi, which is already running. Other key features comprise 113 underpasses, 5 railway overbridges, 76 km of service roads, 16 entry/exit points, 29 km of elevated roads and 62 bus shelters. It has the 340-meter, three-lane tunnel at Datkali in Dehradun. According to reports, the prolonged legal battle over a parcel of land in Mandola, Ghaziabad has led to delays, as a two-story house obstructs a crucial section. Authorities are currently awaiting final rulings from the Supreme Court and High Court, with hearings having been scheduled for April 2025. Additionally, a minor disruption occurred in March 2025 when a pillar of the expressway in Saharanpur collapsed, though the situation was quickly brought under control. Regional Officer of the NHAI Delhi Region, Mohammed Saifi, confirmed that construction of the elevated road up to the Uttar Pradesh border has been completed. Testing has also been finalized, with the final report anticipated within the next 15 days. The expressway is expected to open by late June or early July, reports added. Travelling from Delhi to Mussoorie is likely to be much faster and more convenient due to the construction of a new 26-kilometre elevated road that will directly connect the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway to the hill station. The proposed elevated corridor will span the Rispana and Bindal rivers in Dehradun, guaranteeing smooth and uninterrupted vehicle movement. Land acquisition will take place across 26 localities in Dehradun, necessitating the demolition of more than 2,600 houses along the riverbanks. The total estimated cost of the project is ₹ 6,100 crore, which includes both construction expenses and compensation for the displaced residents. According to the New Indian Express, Vice-Chairman of the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) Banshidhar Tiwari said, 'Land acquisition will be carried out in 26 localities to build the 26 km long elevated road in Dehradun. Land will be acquired by demolishing 2,614 houses built along the banks of the Rispana and Bindal rivers."
