Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Sanctions Rs 1170.16 Crore for Ladakh Road Projects:
To enhance connectivity and infrastructure development in Ladakh, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has approved an allocation of Rs 1170.16 crore for 29 road projects. These projects include the development of state highways, major roads, and other district roads in the Union territory.
Additional Funding for Bridge Projects Under CRIF Scheme:
Minister Gadkari also announced an additional allocation of Rs 181.71 crore for the construction of eight bridges under the CRIF Scheme for the fiscal year 2023-24. This financial boost is expected to contribute to the overall connectivity and accessibility of Ladakh, particularly in remote areas.
Improved Connectivity to Remote Villages:
Ladakh, the largest Union Territory in terms of area and the second least populous in India, is poised to witness improved connectivity to its remote villages through the approved initiatives. Minister Gadkari emphasized that this enhancement is expected to stimulate economic activities, with a particular focus on agriculture and tourism.
Integration of Road Construction with Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0:
The Central government has declared its plan to integrate road construction with Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0. The objective is to utilize inert materials derived from solid waste for constructing embankments along national highways. Minister Gadkari highlighted the success of pilot projects demonstrating the use of inert waste material in road construction.
Draft Policy to Encourage Use of Alternative Fuels:
Minister Gadkari announced that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has formulated a draft policy to encourage the use of alternative fuels in construction equipment. This initiative aims to cut costs and decrease dependence on fossil fuels. Once finalized, the policy will contribute to environmentally sustainable road construction practices.
Waste Utilization in Road Construction:
The ministry has successfully used inert material from municipal solid waste in road construction projects, including the Dholera project in Ahmedabad, the first stretch of Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, and Urban Extension Road II in Delhi. The upcoming policy also addresses crucial issues related to waste management and incentives for municipal corporations or councils.
Recycled Wastewater and Mix of Plastic and Old Tires in Bitumen:
The ministry is considering a policy to use recycled wastewater and incorporate a mix of plastic and old tires in bitumen for road construction. This approach aims to increase the demand and consumption of solid waste, contributing to sustainable development and reducing carbon emissions.