Rs. 50 crore for development of roads connecting places of tourist importance

In a bid to improve road connectivity to places of tourist interest, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Kamal NathKamal Nath has assured to provide Rs. 50 crore for development of such roads to state governments under the Central Road Fund.

Speaking at the “Emerging for Future” an annual conference organized by the World Travel & Tourism Council, Shri Nath assured full support to any such initiative of the state governments. He said that the states should prioritize and send their proposals to the Ministry, which will provide all its support.

As per the CRF Rules, 2007, the central government provides funds to state government for development of state roads. Under this, there is provision for development of connecting roads to national highways from places of tourist importance.

Talking about the multiplier effect of tourism he said that tourism creates economic activity and youth should partake in this. The Minister also said that his ministry is working with the ministry of tourism on a pilot project to provide seamless travel on the golden triangle tourist circuit (Jaipur-Delhi-Agra) from 1st December 2009, and also developing wayside amenities on PPP basis along the national highways. The Minister also suggested a Cabinet Committee on Tourism to resolve Inter- Ministerial issues affecting the tourism sector. (EOM)