As prices raise, cement may come under Essential Commodities Act: Gadkari

If cement prices are increased according to whims of traders, it will have to be placed under the Essential Commodities Act, said Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways.

He was speaking at 'Industry Next Summit' organised by the Confederation of Indian Industries in the city on Saturday. Gadkari said escalating cement prices are making road-laying a costly affair.

"Of the total material required for the construction of highways, about 40% is cement. If the prices for cement come down, the construction cost will also reduce," Gadkari said.

In all sectors, including transport, the government is giving priority to domestic investors and contractors. This opportunity should be used properly, he said.

The tender for the Rs 60,000-crore Bengaluru-Chennai express corridor work will be called either in March or April. Work will be started before the year ends, Gadkari said. He said that outer ring roads in the city will be developed at a cost of Rs 10 crore.

"The cost of freight transportation in India has increased more compared to European countries and China, where cost has increased at a lower rate. This cost has to be brought down," he said.

In India, a truck travels about 250 km a day on average, while in foreign countries, the average is 700 km. Gadkari said. "In the next two years, we will create facilities necessary for trucks to travel up to 400 km a day," he added.

Gadkari said that the Detailed Project Report for the plan to divert excess water from Godavari river to Cauvery river was ready.