Gadkari Urges Banerjee's Intervention for National Highway Progress

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has requested West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's assistance in expediting land acquisition for 20 national highway projects facing delays due to pending approvals. Gadkari emphasized the importance of regular review meetings to address issues and facilitate the projects' timely implementation.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has called upon West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to expedite land acquisition processes crucial for advancing 20 significant national highway projects in the state. A senior official revealed this appeal on Wednesday, highlighting the projects' current stagnation due to unresolved land issues.

In a formal letter addressed to Banerjee, Gadkari, who oversees the road transport and highways portfolio, expressed concerns over substantial project delays caused by land acquisition challenges. The minister outlined that while nine projects remain in the detailed project report stage, eleven others, valued at Rs 8,003.14 crore, are struggling at various implementation phases due to delayed approval for essential activities, including land acquisition and forest clearances.

Gadkari urged Banerjee to direct the relevant Land Revenue, Forest, and other authorities to issue timely clearances, thus ensuring uninterrupted project progress. He also proposed that the Chief Secretary conducts monthly review meetings with all stakeholders to promptly address ongoing challenges, focusing on land acquisition and other critical areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)