Union Minister for Road Transport & National Highways Dr. CP Joshi has directed the officers of National Highways to convert 1463 km long single lane National Highways in Uttarakhand to a double lane and to convert the double lane to four-lane wherever possible. He said that development of National highways in Uttarakhand was in the priorities of the Union Ministry.
Chairing the meeting of National Highways at Secretariat on Thursday, the Union Minister Joshi said that so far the progress of work on National Highways in Uttarakhand was slow and coordination amongst various departments was necessary to expedite the work. He directed the officers to constitute a Monitoring Committee headed by the Chief Secretary.
Dr. Joshi said that the Administration should maintain humane approach towards farmers and other land owners while acquiring their land and provide them justified compensation so that they would be totally satisfied. He suggested establishing a Unit comprising of retired experienced experts to look into the matters related to land acquisition, compensation and to redress their other problems. Dr. Joshi maintained that this would help in completing the work in faster pace. He advocated setting time frame for various works. Stating that there would not be dearth of fund for the projects, he said that it was necessary to ensure timely completion of targeted work from state government's side too. He said that necessary steps would be taken to improve condition of NH-72 near Chhutmalpur. Dr. Joshi said that not only the works should be completed in stipulated time frame but also the quality in works ought to be ensured.
Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna expressing his gratitude towards the Union Minister said that as Centre was all supportive towards State Government, the State Government would also extend all possible support to it in view of comprehensive development of the State. He said that the authorities of National Highways could meet him directly in case any problem arises. He directed the officers to maintain coordination with the Central Ministry.
Also present in the meeting were Secretary Alok Kumar Jain, Principal Secretary PWD S Raju, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister DK Kotia, Principal Secretary Revenue Om Prakash and other senior officers.
