CHENNAI, Oct 13: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari today
said India is set to lead the world in alternative and biofuels.
Laying the foundation stone and dedicating to the nation, three National Highways projects
in Puducherry, he said the size of the automobile industry in India has grown from Rs14 lakh
crore in 2014 to Rs 22 lakh crore now, creating 4.5 crore jobs and boosting exports.
The Minister dedicated to the nation the 38-km long four-lane Puducherry-Poondiyankuppam
section of NH-32, built at a cost of Rs 1,588 crore.
He also laid the foundation stone for the construction of a 4-km elevated corridor between
Indira Gandhi Square and Rajiv Gandhi Square on NH-32 with an outlay of Rs 436 crore.
In addition, the foundation stone for the improvement works of a 14-km stretch of the East
Coast Road (NH-332A) with an investment of Rs 25 crore was also laid.
Highlighting sustainable construction practices, Mr Gadkari said municipal waste is being
used in road building and so far 18 lakh tonnes of such waste have been utilised.
Mr. Gadkari said that tractor manufacturers will be encouraged to introduce flex-fuel, ethanol,
CNG, and electric engines, as electric tractors could help farmers save up to Rs 1.5 lakh
annually.
He said India’s logistics cost has come down from 16 percent to 10 percent and is expected
to reach 9 percent by December this year due to improved road infrastructure and efficient
fuels.
Mr. Gadkari announced that work on two new highway projects in Puducherry will begin within
three months.
He said over the last ten years, projects worth Rs 25,000 crore have been planned for Puducherry
of which works worth Rs 3,100 crore covering 85 km have been completed, Rs 11,000 crore projects
for 200 km are ongoing, and upcoming projects worth Rs 10,300 crore covering 103 km will begin
soon.
Responding to requests from the Lt. Governor and the Chief Minister regarding small bridge projects,
the Minister announced Rs 100 crore under the Sethubandhan.
He also announced sanction for a rs 650-crore project for a 3-km four-lane elevated corridor connecting
Natesan Nagar ROB to Marapalam Junction and a 13.5-km four-lane stretch from Ariyankuppam to
Mullodai. The DPR for this project is in progress, and work will commence in early 2026.
In addition, the Minister informed that bids have been invited for the Rs 2,200-crore, 46-km four-lane
Marakkanam-Puducherry section, and the project will be awarded before December.
Delivering the special address, union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary
Affairs Dr. L. Murugan said over the past 11 years, the nation has witnessed remarkable reforms in
infrastructure, including the development of national highways, express corridors, tunnels, and other
major projects.
Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, Territorial Assembly
Speaker R. Selvam, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assembly and senior
officials attended the event.
(UNI)
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