New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched Rs 10,200 crore Setu Bharatam project, which aims to make all national highways free of railway crossings by 2019.
Speaking on the occasion, he said the government knows the problems and it want to change it with strength.
The Prime Minister noted that the NDA regime has taken effective steps to bring a change in the country's railway sector.
“Government has taken a comprehensive and integrated approach on the infrastructure development. The infrastructure will give speed and strength to the nation,” he said.
"Earlier, trains were just announced to please some MPs and get applause, many projects lie incomplete," he added.
The Prime Minister said that rural roads have got lot of resources in this year's Budget and it is a focus area for the government.
"When it comes to roads, we need to also think about facilities for the people and how our roads can help the people in rural areas. The development of roads in the rural areas is a focus area for us," he added.
Setu Bharatam aims to make all national highways free of railway crossings by 2019. 208 places have been identified for construction of rail over-bridges or underpasses under the project. Around 1,500 bridges that are over 50 to 60 years old will be rebuild under the project. More than 50 thousand crore rupees will be spent on the project.
Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Pon Radhakrishnan were also present on the occasion.
Gadkari had earlier said that under the project 208 places have been identified for construction of rail over-bridges or underpasses. He added that an expenditure of Rs 10,200 crore is expected to be incurred on the project. In addition to the above, 1500 new bridges are also proposed to be constructed to replace the old bridges.
