A Positive Approach And Fast Decision Making Must For Achieving Targets

USPA NEWS - The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Mr. Nitin Gadkari addressing at the inauguration of the conference of Regional Offices of the Ministry, in New Delhi on April 26, 2016.

Cooperation, Coordination And Communication Key To Solutions

The Minister for Road Transport & Highways & Shipping Mr. Nitin Gadkari has emphasized that a positive attitude, transparent working system and prompt decision making are essential for the Ministry to realize its objective of facilitating safe and seamless travel across the country . He was inaugurating a conference of Regional Officers of NHAI in New Delhi on April 26. Mr. Gadkari said that officials should try to solve problems in a proactive and positive manner within the ambit of applicable rules and regulations, and avoid unnecessary delays.

The Minister said that negative approach only leads to delay in the completion of project, and delays cause avoidable cost overruns and harassment to all stakeholders. The Minister emphasized cooperation, coordination and communication as the key to find solutions. He stressed that there should be proper delegation of work in conformity with management best practices and effort should be on proper utilization of resources so that both time and cost of road construction can be brought down. At the outset Mr. Gadkari also thanked all the officials for having contributed immensely to the country´s progress in the last two years.

He added that while it was not possible to be perfect he wanted everyone to work upon their weaknesses and move forward.

The Minister for State Mr. Pon Radhakrishnan who also spoke during the inauguration said that roads are the second biggest infrastructure after power and that the hybrid annuity model could take development further. He also said that non-disbursement of funds and lack of updation of revenue records leads to delay in land acquisition.

The Secretary for Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Mr. Sanjay Mitra while addressing the gathering said that his Ministry would work hard to achieve the steep targets set for the year 2016-17. He said that efforts would be made to delegate powers so that projects could be speeded up. Besides, attention would be given to streamlining processes but only after necessary consultation.

The Chairman for NHAI, Mr. Raghav Chandra informed that during the year 2015-16, 9,285 hectares of land had been acquired. He also proposed to provide incentives to Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA) and District authorities to incentivize them to speed up the process of land acquisition.

On the occasion the Minister also released an online project monitoring system. A Compendium of Land Acquisition Circulars: Provisions and Guidelines has also been prepared and was made available to all participants of the conference.

Picture Description: The Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Mr. P. Radhakrishnan, the Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Sanjay Mitra and other dignitaries are also seen.