Union Cabinet clears Rs 4,406-cr border roads development plan in Punjab and Rajasthan. The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared a Rs 4,406 crore project to develop 2,280 kilometres of roads in border areas in the states of Punjab and Rajasthan. The project would look to improve connectivity between border villages and the main highways so that people can get easy access to more markets, increasing their trade activities in these regions.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwani Vaishnaw, said that this is part of a broader initiative toward the improvement of infrastructure in border villages. Other development initiatives are being undertaken along the Line of Actual Control with China, where the government is developing all forms of infrastructure, including telecom connectivity, roads, and other services available there.
The Union Cabinet cleared a centrally-funded scheme of Rs 17,082 crore to supply fortified rice in the entire country besides approving the road project. This aims at combating anaemia and defeating the micronutrient deficiencies by establishing a supply chain meant for distributing such rice that is liable to improve health outcomes.
The Cabinet also announced plans to revive India’s maritime heritage. A marina heritage complex will come up at Lothal, an ancient Harappan era port, and the first phase is expected to be ready in another two or three years. Lothal, a principal port that was in existence 4,500 years ago, is slated to become the focal point to tell the story of India’s rich maritime past. India, the minister says, is having maritime heritage dating back 5,000 years, with evidence that shipbuilding and naval ports already existed. There are nearly 80 ancient ports, he added, which are mentioned in history books.