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Sub-groups to find ways to finance expressways

The task force on infrastructure today decided to appoint sub-groups to give recommendations for tackling hurdles and suggest modes for financing of expressways.

The groups, which comprise experts from the National Highway Authority of India, financial institutions and the planning commission, will submit its report by the second week of March at its next meeting. The hurdles include those relating to technology and legal issues.

Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission K C Pant told journalists that work is in progress on different stretches, totalling 600 km, and that a re-alignment survey is being done over 3,000 km.

Pant said decision to levy Rs one cess on diesel in the budget was taken on the recommendations of the Kelkar committee on funding infrastructure projects, especially roads.

Pant said there are plan to corporatise more than the six airports on which a cabinet decision has already been taken.

A big document for private companies for road construction has been finalised by the ministry of surface transport in consultation with the finance ministry.

Among those who attended the meeting included Surface Transport Minister Thambi Durai, Planning Commission member Montek Singh Ahluwalia and N K Singh, secretary in the prime minister's office.

Business news