New Delhi: Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has urged States and Union Territories to take urgent action so that blockades of trucks and lorries, carrying essential goods, at inter-State/UT borders are cleared at the earliest possible to ease public life during coronavirus COVID-19.
He said this while speaking at the meeting of state/UT Road Transport Ministers held via video conference.
He urged the Ministers to intervene in such matters and ensure resolutions through the local/district administrations. At the same time, he underlined following the health advisories and other guidelines like proper distance, wearing masks, use of sanitizers, both by the driver/cleaners and also at the Dhabaas.
Gadkari said that transportation of labour to factories etc. may be facilitated by duly following the health protocols of maintaining a minimum one-metre distance, wearing masks, use of sanitizers, etc. He pointed out that providing food and shelter to labour may be ensured while fully observing the norms of social distancing and hygiene.
The Minister informed that he was according top priority to the development of road/highway infrastructure and is planning to enhance National Highway construction by 2 to 3 times of the present pace in the next couple of years. He urged the States/UTs to expedite land acquisition as delays hamper the pace of development and asked them to utilise funds which are remaining unused with them to the extent of about Rs 250,00 crore.