Budget 2016: Roads and highways to get Rs 97,000 crore boost

The Union Budget 2016 has earmarked Rs 97,000 crore for the roads and highways sector, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Monday.

The finance minister said that the Budget allocates Rs 55,000 crore for roads and highways. Additionally, the National Highways Authority of India will raise Rs 15,000 crore though bonds to finance projects.

The government has also allocated Rs 19,000 crore for rural roads programme.

Road Minister Nitin Gadkari had said at ET’s pre budget meet on February 19 that he expected over Rs 65,000 crore allocation on roads in budget as against Rs 45,000 crore a year ago.