Govt approves modified road dev prog for North-East

NEW DELHI: Government has approved a modified accelerated road development programme for the North-East to develop 8,737 km of roads in two phases by 2015-16.

"The modified programme, which has been approved by the government this week provides for development of 8,737 km of road in two phases. The estimated cost of first phase is Rs 12,793 crore and is targeted to be completed by 2012-13. The entire programme would complete by 2015-16," Road Transport and Highways Minister T R Baalu said while addressing a conference here.

He said issuance of smart cards for driving licences and electronic linking of regional transport offices in the states is likely to be completed by March next year.

"Issue of smart cards for driving licences and registration certificates for vehicles, electronically linking the RTOs have been targeted to be completed by March 2008," Baalu said.

Pointing out that about 95,000 people were killed in accidents in 2005, he said the states have been asked to strictly enforce traffic laws, take effective measures to control overloading and for installation of unified check-posts at state borders.

A Committee constituted for formulation of a National Road Transport Policy has recently submitted its report on improvement in road transport and it was under consideration of the government, Baalu said.