Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid the foundation for 33 National Highway (NH) projects in Karnataka via video conferencing. These projects include 1197 km long roads worth Rs 10,904 crore. The event was presided over by Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and was attended by former Prime Minister HD Devegowda, Union Ministers Prahlad Joshi and other ministers from the State and senior officers. Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari said that over 900 km of NH length has been added in Karnataka during last six years, and it now stands at 7,652 km. He said that a total of 71 works is in progress in length of 2,384 km at a cost of Rs 37,311 crore.
The Minister added that for providing smooth connectivity to the ports for the benefit of trade and economy, 4-laning of the entire coastal road from Goa Border to Kerala Border connecting port city of Belekeri, Karwar, and Mangalore covering a length of 278 km have been taken up at a cost of Rs 3,443 crore and the work has been substantially completed.