In order to ensure greenery along the highway, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has stressed the need for plantation along the roadsides and said that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) would open its tree bank.
Seeking innovative ways to save trees, Gadkari said that whenever a tree is cut five more should be planted.
Gadkari, who was speaking at the National Highways Excellence Awards event, expressed concern over the deaths in road accidents and said that before the end of 2024 efforts would be made to reduce the number of fatalities and accidents on roads by 50 per cent.
The Minister also emphasised on the need to cut the price of building roads by 50 per cent without sacrificing quality.
Before the end of 2024, Indian roads will be on par with those in the United States, he said.
Gadkari earlier inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of nine National Highways projects of 243 km length worth Rs 1,357 crore in Rajasthan.
Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari said widening of Ninawa section from Sanchore on NH-168A in the state will increase the business of granite industries of Chalaur district and will make it easier for the farmers to reach Suratgarh Mandi.
He said the two-lane Sriganganagar to Raisinghnagar on NH-911 and the Sriganganagar reinforcement from Suratgarh on NH-62 will make it easier to reach the international border and the military station on both sides of the road, which will enhance India’s strategic strength.
He further said the armed forces will get better connectivity across the border, new jobs will be created, which will move Rajasthan towards progress and prosperity.