Nitin Gadkari reprimands states for non-performance, says there could be reduction in budget

Warning the non-performing state governments, Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari on Friday said that they can expect reduction in Central budgetary support if they do not implement their projects.

“The Centre is always willing to extend support to states that are trying to improve their transport facilities - public transport, in particular. However, states must not expect any improvement in budgets if they are unwilling to perform,” the minister said while speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT).

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Gadkari applauded the work done by the five southern states as far transport is concerned. “There are takers for good quality services and state transport units must actively upgrade their systems and services in order to attract more passengers. The transformation must be a holistic one - bus stations, quality of public transport vehicles besides making it affordable,” he said.

The warning to the non-performing states came a day after Gadkari issued a statement that several automobile companies are breaking the pollution norms. While speaking at an event in Delhi on Thursday, Gadkari said the country should move towards an alternative fuel. “I am going to do this, whether you like it or not. And I am not going to ask you, I will bulldoze it,” the minister said on Thursday.

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