11 hrs ago
West Bengal’s 16 State Highways Set for National Upgrade
West Bengal has asked the central government to upgrade 16 important roads.
These roads currently belong to the state highway system.
Together, they stretch for about 2,000 kilometres.
The proposal was presented by Public Works Minister Ajay Poddar.
Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari received the proposal.
Government sources said the Centre reacted positively.
A state official said the work may begin within a few months.
The upgrade could improve travel and reduce the state’s road-maintenance costs.
This would also let the state focus its money on roads in more remote areas.
The Centre has begun the process of upgrading 16 West Bengal state highways to national highways.
The proposed roads cover approximately 2,000 kilometres, including border corridors.
Public Works Minister Ajay Poddar presented the proposal to Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Government sources said the Centre responded positively to West Bengal’s request.
A state PWD official said work could begin on the ground within a couple of months, reducing maintenance costs.
- Who
- The West Bengal government, Public Works Minister Ajay Poddar, and Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.
- What
- The Centre is processing a proposal to upgrade 16 West Bengal state highways to national highways.
- Where
- West Bengal, including roads described as border corridors.
- When
- The process has begun, and a state official said ground work could start within a couple of months.
- Why
- The upgrade is intended to improve infrastructure and road transport, reduce maintenance costs, and allow greater focus on remote-area roads.
Key facts
- Roads proposed for upgrade
- 16 state highways
- Total distance
- Approximately 2,000 kilometres
- Current status
- The Centre has begun the upgrade process
- Proposal presented by
- West Bengal Public Works Minister Ajay Poddar
- Union minister involved
- Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari
- Expected ground start
- Within a couple of months, according to a state PWD official
- Expected benefits
- Improved infrastructure, lower maintenance costs, and greater focus on remote roads
Quotes
Senior Public Works Department official
A senior official in West Bengal’s Public Works Department
“It is now just a matter of time. We believe the process will start on the ground within a couple of months. It is a positive part of a ‘double-engine’ government. It not only improves West Bengal’s infrastructure and road-transport system but also helps reduce the cost of maintaining such roads. We can then concentrate on more remote areas’ roads with those expenditures.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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