Need to convert Covid-19 into opportunity, restart highways construction on war footing: Gadkari

To turn ‘crisis into opportunity’, India needs renewed focus on infrastructure in the wake of the damage caused by Covid-19, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said, adding that talks are underway with state governments to restart highway construction projects in which migrant labourers can be gainfully employed.

In a video-conference with PTI, the road transport, highways and MSME minister said talks are on with state governments for facilitating safe return of migrant labourers, an estimated 20 lakh of whom are in shelters pan-India.

“I had a meeting with road sector officials. Work can be restarted at projects with condition that adequate measures are taken for safeguard against coronavirus. We have to follow guidelines.