Foundation laid for Rs 550-cr bridge over Narmada river

Speaking on the occasion,Joshi said while the bridge and the six-lane approach road would be constructed at a cost of Rs 509.92 crore,the central government had also given an assistance of Rs 40.50 crore for repair of the existing old bridge which was in a dilapidated condition and under the control of the state government.

Stating that the Centre was giving funds for various projects to the states as per their share of the revenue,Joshi said this was irrespective of which party was in power in the states. He claimed that Gujarat was getting four to five times of the Centre’s assistance of what it was getting under the NDA rule.

He pointed out that never in the past so many highway projects were sanctioned for Gujarat. He informed that the central government had in principle approved a project for coastal highways for Saurashtra and work on it would begin soon.

Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Dr Tushar Chaudhary said the central government had appointed a staff of 40 personnel to manage the traffic on the Narmada bridge though it was not part of its job.

Union Minister of State for Railways Bharat Solanki said Gujarat was leading in development for ages and advised the state government to focus on balanced development of people in the state.

Union Minister of State for Mines Dinsha Patel said the state government should work for all-round development of all without indulging in petty party politics.

Ahmed Patel,who also addressed the gathering,said what he did was his duty for people of Bharuch and people of the state and there was nothing for him to take credit. State Road and Building Minister Anandiben Patel,who was also present,welcomed the central initiative.

Leader of Opposition Shaktisinh Gohil said a government programme should have no political bias.