Government Stressing on Infrastructure and Electric Vehicles: President

In his address to Parliament, President Kovind said the government’s endeavour is to lay a strong foundation for urban infrastructure that will encourage employment generation.

Terming infrastructure as pivotal in propelling prosperity and growth, President Ram Nath Kovind said the government’s endeavour is to build 35,000 km of highways, besides expressways, by 2022 and to lay a strong foundation for urban infrastructure that will encourage employment generation.

Addressing the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, the President said massive work to create infrastructure is underway, and electric vehicles (EVs) are being promoted to reduce pollution.

“Under the ‘Bharatmala Project’, construction or upgradation of about 35,000 kilometres of national highways is to be undertaken by 2022. In addition, under the ‘Sagarmala Project’, a network of good-quality roads is being constructed in coastal areas and areas adjoining ports,” he said.

“On this path of a New India, infrastructure for the 21st century will be built and all resources for the creation of a powerful India will be mobilised… Infrastructure will play an important role in ushering in a prosperous India,” he said.

He said urban transport infrastructure is being created to cater to the current and future requirements.

“My government is developing a transport system, which is not only fast and safe but is also environment-friendly. For this, special emphasis is given to public transport. Metro rail network is being expanded rapidly in several cities. The facility of ‘one nation, one card’ has been launched to realise the dream of seamless mobility,” he said.

The network of electric charging stations is also being expanded rapidly for EVs, he said. “Development of urban infrastructure in cities and suburbs will pave the way for economic progress and enhance employment opportunities. My government is tirelessly working for a modern India, by providing world-class infrastructure and public amenities in villages as well as cities.”

Special emphasis is being accorded to improve connectivity in the northeastern region, hilly and tribal areas, he said and added that in addition to increasing the ease of living of citizens in the region, tourism, agriculture and other allied sectors will also benefit from better connectivity.