The Centre has provided in-principle approval for the construction of Raipur-Bilaspur National Highway.
The nod was given by Union Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari at a meeting held with State Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Rajesh Munat, officials said on Friday.
The Union minister after discussion with officers of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) directed them to prepare a time-bound programme for completion of the project.
“All processes including tenders should be completed by October and on November 1, the Foundation Day for Chhattisgarh State, bhoomi pujan of the project will be performed,” he said.
Principal Secretary, PWD, Chhattisgarh government Ambitabh Jain also accompanied Minister Rajesh Munat.
Munat informed the Union minister that Raipur-Bilaspur National Highway number 30 and 130 is one of the most important roads of Chhattisgarh. As per the road traffic census held in year 2014, the traffic flow on the route is 25649 PUC. This road connects Raipur with the Chhattisgarh High Court in Bilaspur which is 126.526 km long.
He further informed that the project was pending for about 10 years and the Union Road Transport & Highways Minister gave in-principle approval during the meeting.
The Chhattisgarh PWD Minister told the Gadkari that from financial point of view, this National Highway is important for the State as a number of industrial units are located on both sides of this highway.
Munat further informed that the National highway from Raipur to Simga would be made six lanes and from Simga to Bilaspur will be four lanes.
“We have also demanded for setting up of City Control and Command Center in Chhattisgarh for better management of traffic flow.
The Union Minister as assured us of taking necessary action in this connection,” he said.