Nitin Gadkari invites investors to invest in waterways and highways

Advocating the use of ethanol as automobile fuel, Union Surface Transport minister Nitin Gadkari invited investors to invest in waterways and highways saying that if UP got a good infrastructure then the transformation of the state would be quick.

Addressing a plenary session 'Propelling Infrastructure Development in UP' at the 'Investors’ Summit' in Lucknow on Wednesday, Gadkari said that if people started using waterways, it could save money in  transportation which in turn  could help the state.

“I even invite the state government to come up with fresh ideas. The Union government has funds and we are ready to finance projects which are feasible,” he said adding that better infrastructure including roads meant better connectivity which in turn could speed up development.

Gadkari said that the waterways project between Varanasi and Haldia was almost ready. "During Kumbh Mela in January, 2019, we will extend the waterway to Allahabad. This will provide a cheap mode of transport to commuters. Even traders could send their goods by waterways and save money," said the Union minister.

Gadkari even asked the state government to adopt ethanol as fuel. “Uttar Pradesh is known as sugarcane basket of India. Ethanol is by-product of cane. If we can use ethanol as fuel to run vehicles, the scenario in the state would change in,” he said adding that the fuel would also protect environment.

Industry Minister Satish Mahana said that the face of UP has changed in the last 10 months. "The Yogi government has come up with policies that are investor-friendly. We are even open to suggestions of the investors and have brought about changes as per their suggestions," he said.