First phase of Delhi-Mumbai expressway to be finished within the year: Nitin Gadkari

Nitin Gadkari, Union Road, and Transport Minister said that the work on the first phase of the Delhi-Mumbai Express Highway would be completed within the year.

"My plan is to connect Nariman Point to Delhi making it a 12-hour journey," Union Minister Gadkari was quoted as saying in a Ministry of Road Transport and Highways statement on Monday evening.

While highlighting the achievements of the Road and Transport Ministry, the Union Minister said, "I was pained to know that around one crore people in the country were driving cycle-rickshaw". He also added that nearly 80 lakh people have started driving E-rickshaws today. "400 start-ups in the country are making electric scooters, e-rickshaws etc."


The minister made the remarks while inaugurating an Organic Garden at R.D. and S.H. National College and S.W.A. Science College in Mumbai. R.D. & S.H. National College and S.W.A. Science College also released a book on 'Environment Sustainability Initiatives by R. D. National College' during the occasion, the statement said.

He also shared details of environment-friendly, and recycling initiatives undertaken, stating that nothing is wasted and by using the appropriate technology, almost any waste can be converted into wealth.

"For the last 8 years, we have been recycling sewage water of Nagpur and selling it to the Government of Maharashtra for power generation. We are earning Rs 300 cr. annually as royalty," he was quoted in the ministry's statement. He also shared details of similar projects undertaken in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.

Also, reiterating the significance of green fuels, the Minister said that the Road Transport Ministry is working on the diversification of agriculture towards the energy and power sector since the year 2000.

"We are making green fuels like ethanol from sugar cane which is cost-effective, pollution free and indigenous and hence helps in reducing import of fuels."

The Union Minister added, "Ethics, economy and environment are three important pillars of our society".