Nitin Gadkari to take charge as Transport Minister on Thursday

Senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari, who is the new minister for Road Transport & Highways (RTH) and Shipping in Narendra Modi government, tonight said he will assume office on May 29.

Gadkari, who became the first cabinet-rank minister from Nagpur and is celebrating his birthday today, landed here tonight from New Delhi to a rousing reception by hundreds of his supporters.

Addressing reporters at the airport here, Gadkari reiterated BJP's commitment to infrastructure development saying "we will take up laying of highways on a priority basis".

Responding to a query, Gadkari said he was happy with the portfolio allotted to him.