Govt to set up authority for expressways: Nath

The government today said it is set to constitute an authority for expressways on the pattern of the National Highways Authority of India in order to give impetus to infrastructure development in the country.

The government today said it is set to constitute an authority for expressways on the pattern of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in order to give impetus to infrastructure development in the country.

HT Image

"Expressways have to be looked at separately. So, we are looking at setting up an Expressways Authority on the same
lines as NHAI.

"This will provide impetus to those areas where expressways are required and we are looking at ways to partner
state governments as well as the private sector," Road Transport and Highways Minister Kamal Nath said on the
sidelines of a CII conclave on infrastructure here.

"In the next three months, we will have a proper paper on it, (and) then take it to the Cabinet so that we can take it
to Parliament," Nath said.

He said his ministry is also looking at introducing innovative ways of financing to attract international
investors in the road sector.

"India remains a very good parking lot as an investment destination. We are looking at innovative ways of financing --
international financing both equity financing, debt financing, pension fund financing. We are looking at financing
holistically so that we attract global investment," Nath said.

Global investors are enthusiastic about investing in infrastructure here, he said adding, "We have to create right
receiving end for these funds."