Work begins on state highways

25 Mar, 2007

PATNA: Work on eleven state highway projects began on Saturday with CM Nitish Kumar inaugurating an ambitious scheme to be executed by two Central agencies — CPWD and Ircon. The CM and road construction minister Nandkishore Yadav felt the completion of the project will change the face of road communication in the state. Ircon has been awarded work to construct 330 kms of state highways in Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Darbhanga and Madhubani districts while CPWD has been commissioned to construct another 1705 kms of roads in 33 districts. In the first phase, however, only 730 km of state highways will be constructed. Nitish said he had to speak to the Planning Commission for expediting the execution of these projects. The state had to even offer to execute the projects on its own if the Central agencies did not start work. Maintaining that road is a major sign of physical change and development, the CM said the state government has earmarked Rs 3000 crore for roads. He also expected investments worth Rs 18,000 crore in road sector alone. Reacting to the security concerns expressed by the executing agencies, Nitish said in case of any problem, the chief secretary and DGP would help them out. "They can also contact me," Nitish said, adding, however, that crime is everywhere — be it Noida or New York. Road construction minister Yadav said the agencies will have to work on these projects on a priority basis for these highways are linked to the development of the state. "Neither the government nor people are ready to tolerate any delay," he said. Earlier CPWD director general (works) A Chakraborty and Ircon executive director Harjinder Singh promised to complete quality work in 24 months' time. Planning Board deputy chairman N K Singh said roads are a must for attracting investment.