Nitin Gadkari addresses 11th Biennial International Conference on Ports, Shipping and Logistics held in Mumbai

Ecology and environment are the highest priority of the Union Government and the Government is considering many options to curb pollution and accordingly is working on various projects on a war footing”, said Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. He was speaking at 11th Biennial International Conference on Ports, Shipping and Logistics held in Mumbai today.

The Public transport system is very important for the country. The Minister expressed the view that about 40% of the total air pollution in the country is due to road traffic and it is necessary to promote public transport in the country. He said that the government is implementing various measures to promote public transport. He mentioned that the double decker bus started in Mumbai and the bus service being started in Bangalore are examples of these measures. The approval given to 260 rope ways and cable cars was also a part of this effort and road projects worth around Rs. 65 thousand crore are also underway in and around Delhi. After this work is completed, it will help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in the region, he said.