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The Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Thiru T. R. Baalu today said that the Government is fully committed to development of National Highway network in West Bengal. He said that all efforts would be made to ensure that there are no delays in implementation of road development projects in the State as a good road network will put economic development of West Bengal on the fast track.
Thiru Baalu conveyed this to a high-level delegation of the Govt. of West Bengal that called on him today. The delegation was led by Sh. Nirupam Sen, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Planning and Development, Govt. of West Bengal and Sh. Nilotpal Basu, Member Parliament and Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport. The Chief Secretary of West Bengal and other senior officials were also present.
The status of road projects in West Bengal especially pertaining to NH 34 and NH 117 and Kolkata Port connectivity was discussed in the Meeting. On persistent request from Govt. of West Bengal, Thiru Baalu directed the officials of Deptt. of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways that NH 34, that runs from Barasat to Dalkhola and has a length of 438 km, may be handed over to the National Highways Authority of India for maintenance and development. ADB has sanctioned a loan of US $ 147 million for this NH.
Regarding the 137 km long NH 117, Thiru Baalu directed the officials to undertake a feasibility study for it’s development to two-lane and improvement of riding quality. About 115 km of NH 117 have been entrusted to the PWD, Govt. of West Bengal for maintenance.
It was also decided in the Meeting that feasibility study for development of deep draft Port at Sagor or nearby that will act as a catalyst for the development of entire eastern India would be taken up.
NSD/BS
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