Nitin Gadkari announces over Rs. 20,000 cr aid for Bengal infra projects.

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced a Rs. 20,000 crore plus Central aid for various infrastructure projects in West Bengal.

Speaking at a seminar organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, recent evening, the Union Minister announced an aid of over Rs. 12,000 crore for the deep sea port project at Sagar Islands. Another Rs. 7,000 crore worth of aid for road projects are being provided.

'Money is not an issue when it comes to development. For the Sagar Port we will give an assistance of Rs. 12,000 crore; while another Rs. 7,000 crore will be for road projects,' he said.

Later in his speech, Gadkari, however said that some of the money will be put in the sea port project (at Sagar) here in the State.

It was not clear what he was referring to, but, sources indicated that while over Rs. 12,000 crore will go into the proposed deep sea port project, another Rs. 3,500-odd crore will be for adjoining development projects that include setting up of dry bulk cargo handling terminals, floating storages and so on.

The other requirements would include a bridge or an underground tunnel to connect these floating storages or cargo handling terminals to a rail line or the mainland.

Of the Rs. 7,000 crore (for laying of connecting roads and for land acquisition), around Rs. 6,000 crore has already been sanctioned.

Earlier in the day, Gadkari met West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee. After the two hour long meeting, the Union Minister is said to have assured Banerjee of his help in speeding up infra projects.



HBL