*Haryana to Upgrade Road Network in Line with Future Needs*

*Cabinet Minister Ranbir Gangwa  meets Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, discusses lane expansion, connectivity and road safety*

Chandigarh, October 6- As Haryana continues to grow rapidly, the state government is preparing to give a new direction to its road infrastructure. With rising traffic, industrial expansion and the growing need for better connectivity, emphasis is being laid on enhancing road capacity and making travel smoother in the coming years.

On the concluding day of the two-day National Chintan Shivir held at Ekta Nagar in Narmada district of Gujarat, Haryana Public Works and Public Health Engineering Minister Sh.  Ranbir Gangwa met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and discussed the state’s future road plans.

The discussions covered lane expansion, capacity enhancement of major roads, improved connectivity and modern road safety standards. Gangwa said Haryana’s roads would now be planned not only according to present requirements but also keeping future needs in mind.

*Key Routes to Be Identified*

Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said major routes where traffic pressure is continuously increasing, or is expected to rise in the coming years, would be identified and plans prepared to enhance their capacity. The Public Works Department will study these routes and prepare proposals for increasing lanes wherever required.

He said road expansion should not be limited merely to increasing road width. The focus would be on making journeys easier, saving travel time and ensuring safe and convenient movement.

*National Highway Safety Standards to Guide Planning*

The discussions were also held on road safety standards and safety assessment systems followed on national highways. Emphasis was laid on incorporating aspects such as road design, intersections, signage, pedestrian facilities and smooth traffic movement into road project planning from the outset.

Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said that along with road speed and capacity, safety and convenience were equally important. These aspects would be taken into account while planning major road projects in the state.

*Strong Roads Key to Faster Growth*

The Cabinet Minister said Haryana was witnessing rapid expansion of industry, trade and urban areas. Strong road connectivity would therefore play a crucial role in giving further momentum to the state’s development.

Better roads would facilitate movement between villages, towns, cities and industrial areas while also strengthening economic activity. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state government was working to strengthen road infrastructure and provide people with better connectivity and smoother travel as part of its commitment to public service.

With better coordination between the Centre and the state, road projects would be taken forward in a planned manner, he added.

*Gangwa Pays Tribute to Sardar Patel at Statue of Unity*

During his visit, the Cabinet Minister also visited the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat’s Narmada district and paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

He said Sardar Patel’s life continues to inspire the country towards unity and strong nation-building.

On the concluding day of the two-day Chintan Shivir, ministers and senior officials from across the country shared experiences and discussed issues related to state development, roads and infrastructure, new technology, road safety and the needs of the future.