Twitter
Advertisement

Embracing an infra boom, but still a lot to do

The government's attention on the infrastructure sector is evident in the decisions taken during the Union Cabinet meeting held on May 17. Several major projects, including highways and railways, were given a nod during the meet.

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Infrastructure has emerged as one of the prominent focus areas for the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre. In the last three years, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has ventured into several new projects spanning diverse ministries. Many of these projects are expected to be completed within the next two years, just as the government finishes its tenure.

The government's attention on the infrastructure sector is evident in the decisions taken during the Union Cabinet meeting held on May 17. Several major projects, including highways and railways, were given a nod during the meet.

In addition, last month, the Prime Minister held a meeting with senior officials of the infrastructure-related ministries and Niti Aayog, wherein he directed them to adhere to the deadlines and ensure better coordination among the ministries.

DNA lists some of the government's major achievements in the infrastructure sector.

Highways/bridges

The government is confident that by August 15 this year, the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPH) would be ready for inauguration. The 135km access-controlled highway, passing through Kondli, Ghaziabad, and Palwal, will decongest Delhi by up to 50 per cent by diverting the traffic headed to other states.

The Chenani-Nashri tunnel on the Jammu-Kashmir highway, which cuts short the time taken to cover the distance between the two regions by two hours, was inaugurated last month. The 9.15km Dhola-Sadiya bridge over the Brahmaputra river in Assam near the China border will be inaugurated by Modi on May 26. Longest in India, this bridge will amp up the defence arrangements on the Indo-China border.

Other important projects in the pipeline include the Chenab Bridge and the Zojila Pass Tunnel.

Aviation

In the last three years, India's aviation sector has jumped from the seventh to third position globally. One of the most important achievements of the Modi government has been the launch of UDAN — a first-of-its kind low-budget scheme to stimulate regional connectivity. The outstanding scheme ensures that tier-3 and tier-4 towns, which were not a part of the aviation sector earlier, are connected.

Besides, within a year, as many as 33 new airports came up in the country. Also, India will soon have a 'no-fly' list for unruly passengers. The list will have names recommended by not just the security agencies but also people who witness any misbehaviour in the air. For repeat offenders, the duration of the ban will be doubled.

Shipping

The cargo-handling capacity of the country's ports has gone up from 744.91 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) in 2013 to 1,065 MTPA in 2017. Besides, the government has launched the Sagarmala programme, which looks at port modernisation, new port development, enhancement of port connectivity, and industrialisation of the coastal community. The project also looks at promoting cruise tourism.

Another major project commissioned by the government is the Jal Marg Vikas Project, which will augment the capacity of the National Waterway-1 (River Ganga) from Haldia to Varanasi, by facilitating navigation of 1,500-2,000T ships. It will include construction of multi-modal terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia, and new navigational lock at Farakka.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement