Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, in a significant stride towards revolutionising India’s transportation infrastructure, said electric bus will be started by laying electric cable on the Delhi-Mumbai Express National Highway. This development aims to reduce travel time from Delhi to Jaipur to two hours, with the fare expected to be 30% less than that of a diesel bus.
Gadkari made these revelations during the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony for 17 road projects in Udaipur, totaling an investment of over Rs 2,500 crore to propel Mewar’s development.
Expressway development and animal overpass
Gadkari expressed confidence in the ongoing construction of a 67-kilometer four-lane expressway from Bandikui to Jaipur at a cost of Rs 1,370 crore. He assured completion by November 2024, facilitating the promised swift journey between Delhi and Jaipur.
Highlighting the Delhi-Mumbai express highway, Gadkari emphasised its distinction as the first in Asia and the second globally featuring an animal overpass to ensure wildlife safety. He expressed satisfaction in aligning Rajasthan’s roads with international standards.
Massive infrastructure investments in Rajasthan
Looking ahead, Gadkari committed to bringing Rajasthan’s national highways at par with those of America before the end of 2024. He informed about the extensive work underway, with express highways costing Rs 60,000 crores, including the ongoing construction of the 1,382 km Delhi Mumbai Express Highway at a budget of Rs 1 lakh crore.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma acknowledged Udaipur’s significance in tourism, dubbing it the “Kashmir of Rajasthan.” He commended the historic developments in Rajasthan since 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, anticipating a boost in the tourism sector.
Sharma provided updates on the state government’s progress, nearing the completion of 60 days, and affirmed their commitment to swiftly complete the resolution letter. He highlighted the Maharana Pratap Corridor announced in the state budget, expressing determination for its prompt execution by the double-engine government.
The Chief Minister assured the public that the state government would uphold the trust of the people, with both the Centre and the Rajasthan government committed to realising the dreams and aspirations of the citizens.