Gadkari Advocates for Majority Stake for Foreign Partners in Tunnel Projects

Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, has proposed giving foreign partners a 51% stake in joint ventures for tunnel construction and detailed project reports. He believes this move will enhance work quality and ensure that serious, technically qualified players undertake these projects.

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has called for a 51% stake for foreign partners in joint ventures for building tunnels and preparing detailed project reports. He emphasized that this would improve work quality by ensuring only serious and technically qualified players bid for such projects.

In a light-hearted observation, Gadkari noted that some European companies have partnered with Indian firms that operate caterer services or beauty parlours for tunnel construction, stressing the need for more relevant partnerships.

Gadkari stated that these majority stakes are crucial for maintaining quality and oversight, which is lacking and often leads to issues like frequent landslides in the Himalayas. He also highlighted the potential economic benefits of reducing logistics costs to boost exports.

(With inputs from agencies.)