Rajasthan CM demands 9 more National Highways in state

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has demanded immediate approval be given by the Centre to the proposal regarding the construction of nine National Highways in the State. ''Mr Gehlot raised the issue during his meeting with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Dr C P Joshi here yesterday,'' a statement said today. Mr Gehlot informed that keeping in view the heavy traffic on highways it has become imperative that the proposed new routes be declared as National Highways. He said area wise Rajasthan is the biggest state of the country and after 2004, not even a single National Highway was given approval in the state.
The Rajasthan Chief Minister informed Dr Joshi that the state government had earlier sent proposals for eight new National Highways. ''Apart from these eight routes covering 2120 kilometer one more proposal declaring Pali-Gomti Chouraha via Nadole route as National Highways has been sent by the state hence, all the proposed nine routes should be declared as National Highways as soon as possible,'' he added. Mr Gehlot also said during the last monsoon season the roads have been badly damaged and needs repair works immediately and added that repair works for damaged National Highways should be taken in hands as soon as possible for the smooth and uninterrupted traffic movements on the highways. ''It would also help in checking accidents,'' he said. Mr Gehlot further stated that whenever the work for the four and six laning of the highways starts the part of that National Highway should be handed over to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). He added that the NHAI should be directed to pay proper attention for the repair and handling works of roads over four corridors facing problem i.e. Jaipur-Delhi NH 8, Kishangarh-Ajmer-Beawar NH 8, Jaipur-Tonk-Deoli-Kota NH 12. The Rajasthan Chief Minister further stated that a clear policy should be made by the Central government for the proper handling and traffic management on highways during the construction period by NHAI.