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Jaipur, <keyword id="45092" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="farmers">Farmers</keyword> in <keyword id="6355588" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="rajasthan">Rajasthan</keyword> blocked many national and state highways for three hours on Saturday, from 12pm to 3 pm, demanding the withdrawal of three farm laws and protesting against the internet ban near their protest sites and alleged harassment by authorities, among other issues. The Congress government had already extended its support to farmers. Following orders from the AICC, Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasara on Friday directed all party officials to fully cooperate in making the highway jam a success, after which Congress leaders took to the streets for the <keyword id="6545452" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="chakka-jam">chakka jam</keyword>. The protests started around 12 noon. In Jaipur, tractors were placed on roads to jam the traffic while in Alwar, stones and thorny shrubs were placed on roads to check the traffic on roads. In Kota, a massive tractor rally was taken out. The <keyword id="389014" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi-Jaipur-highway">Delhi-Jaipur highway</keyword> was completely blocked as the lane passing through the Shahjahanapur border (Alwar) was also closed around 11 am in morning. It shall remain closed till 3 pm, said farm leaders. Former deputy CM Sachin Pilot, who started a kisaan mahapanchayat on Friday from Dausa, reached Bharapur on Saturday to address a farmers' gathering as a part of this chakka jam protest. Many associations extended their support in making the chakka jam a success in Rajasthan. A 50-member delegation of advocates came at the protest site from Shri Ganganagar and donated Rs 80,000 for langar. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/analysts-explain-why-indigo-paints-shares-fell-with-a-thud-just-like-burger-king-and-mrs-bectors-and-what-to-do-with-it-now/articleshow/80704864.cms">Indigo Paints joins the league of Burger King and Bector's — frenzied IPOs that fizzled out</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/the-india-stack-that-bill-gates-and-sundar-pichai-so-love-is-set-to-get-much-bigger-thanks-to-the-indian-governments-new-blockchain-strategy/articleshow/80718403.cms">The India stack that Bill Gates and Sundar Pichai so love is set to get much bigger – thanks to the Indian government’s new blockchain strategy</a>

Chakka Jam: Rajasthan farmers block highways including Delhi-Jaipur highway to protest against internet ban and farm laws

<ul><li>Leaders of the 13 farmer unions protesting in New Delhi against India’s new farm laws have rejected the government’s latest proposal. They maintain that it’s all or nothing — the three new laws must be repealed completely.</li><li>They are now calling for nationwide protest, starting December 14, which will include boycotting Reliance Jio products as well as Adani and Ambani projects.</li><li>The unions plan to start with blocking the Delhi-Jaipur and Delhi-Agri highways starting December 12.</li></ul>Fourteen days have gone by since farmers arrived at the border of India’s national capital, New Delhi, to protest the country’s new farm laws. And, no breakthrough is in sight, with the farmer unions unanimously rejecting the government’s latest proposal. They have now called for a nationwide protest on December 14. The farmers announced that they will be boycotting Adani projects, malls, toll plazas and other projects that provide revenue to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on December 14. And, on December 12, they plan on blocking the Delhi-Jaipur and Delhi-Agra highways. Terms of the nationwide protest: <ul><li>Boycotting Jio products at a national level</li><li>Protests at district headquarters of BJP across the country on December 14</li><li>Adani and Ambani projects, malls and toll plazas will also be targeted with protests and made free for travellers</li><li>Toll plazas will be made free for everyone on December 12</li><li>Delhi’s neighbouring states like Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh will also protest on December 14 under the slogan of ‘Delhi Chalo’ to surround the national capital</li><li>Farmers in other parts of the country South India and the North-East will continue to protest after December 14</li></ul>“If the government sends another proposal, which may consider it, but for now we reject the terms entirely,” said one of the leader’s at a press conference. The government’s draft proposal was shared with 13 farm union leaders suggesting certain amendments to the farm laws after the union leaders cancelled the sixth round of talks with the government scheduled on December 9. Government’s ‘assurances’ to the farmers The government’s proposal offers to give ‘written assurance' that the existing Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime for procurement will continue. It has also assured farmers that all private mandis will have to register, and there is an option to impose fees on them, which will result in the strengthening of AMPCs. Some of the other apprehensions addressed include farmers having the option to go to courts, and their land will not be attached to any loans by big corporates. The government said it would come up with a proper arrangement on the farmers’ demand to take back the law on stubble burning. And, that Electricity Amendment Act 2020 will not be implemented, the situation will remain status quo. “The government has tried to address the concerns of farmers with an open heart and with respect for the farming community of the country. The government appeals to the Kisan unions to end their agitation,” said the proposal. Standoff between farmers and the Indian government continues "It is work in progress," says Union Minister Prakash Javadekar, on being asked about talks between government and farmers over the farm laws during the cabinet briefing on December 9. However, the negotiations between the two sides seem to have hit an impasse. On December 8, the farmers initiated a nationwide lockdown or Bharat Bandh. Yet, the meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah — held on the same day — failed to break the deadlock. A joint delegation of Opposition parties, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, is scheduled to meet President Ram Nath Kovind to discuss the ongoing agitation against the farm laws later today. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/icertis-helps-google-microsoft-and-apple-manage-their-contracts-is-hiring-for-techies-and-people-in-sales/articleshow/79640659.cms">EXCLUSIVE: This Indian unicorn helping Google, Microsoft and Apple manage their contracts is hiring⁠— it needs techies as well as people in sales</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/what-is-pm-wani-public-wifi-platform-launched-by-union-cabinet/articleshow/79642267.cms">Government’s plan for public Wi-Fi lets anyone from the kirana store owner to tea shop stalls sign up to provide the internet</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/the-33-billion-itc-one-of-indias-most-trolled-stock-in-recent-weeks-seems-to-have-turned-a-corner/articleshow/79641456.cms">The $33 billion ITC, one of India’s most-trolled stock in recent weeks, seems to have turned a corner</a>

Farmers call for nationwide protest on December 14 — plan to block Delhi-Jaipur and Delhi-Agra highways starting December 12

Hundreds of protesters on Thursday launched massive protest which soon turned violent in Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh against the Centre's 'Agnipath' recruitment scheme. Police had to resort to lathi-charge to disperse the mob. Protesters went on a rampage, damaging and vandalising public properties at Birla Nagar railway station in Gwalior. Protesters broke the windows of some trains, set things on fire, burnt tyres and raised slogans against the Centre's new recruitment policy. Train movement was affected in North Central Railway's Jhansi division. The protesters blocked the movement of at least 6-7 trains by keeping wooden logs, tree branches and other railway properties on tracks. They also resorted to violence on the main roads breaking window panes of buses and other vehicles. Violence was also reported in the Gole ka Mandir area of Gwalior. Protesters created ruckus on busy roads damaging private vehicles. It stopped only after police reached the spot. Videos of violent protests surfaced on social media which showed the ransacking of the office of Birla Nagar railway station manager. However, police, which were rushed to the spot, lathicharged on the protesters and dispersed them from the spot. Several protesters have been detained by the police. The city witnessed multiple protests on Thursday since morning. Gwalior is the region from where majority of youths line up for police and military services every year. It was a narrow escape for BJP MLA Aruna Devi after a large number of aspirants tried to attack her when she was passing through a railway crossing in Nawada on Thursday. Aruna Devi was on the way to district headquarters, Nawada city, to participate at an event. When her car reached the railway crossing of Nawada railway station, a large number of protesters attacked her. They pelted stones on her vehicles. She somehow managed to escape in her car. Her driver however sustained minor injuries in the incident. In Bihar's Gopalganj district, the agitating aspirants set three coaches of a passenger train on fire at Sidhwalia railway station. In Chhapra, the protesters attacked as many as 12 trains and set three of them on fire. In Kaimur, they set Inter-city Express train on fire. More than 15 districts across Bihar on Thursday witnessed massive protests and vandalism against the Agnipath scheme. An agitating student in Chhapra said that the central government wants to push students into the criminal activities as they will have nothing to do after four years of service in defence forces. "After four years of job, a youth becomes trained in military skills and combat. Once he becomes unemployed, what will he do? He will take up terrorism, criminal activities and even police will not be able to arrest such youth. They will be more skilful in military combat than police personnel," an agitating youth said. Another youth said: "Why Agnipath scheme is not implemented on officers. They should also be brought into this scheme and restricted for four years of service." The majority of the aspirants demanded withdrawal of the Agnipath scheme and start of normal recruitment into defence forces. As the Army aspirants' protests against the Centre's Agnipath scheme entered the second day in Bihar, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday said that the Centre has introduced MGNREGA scheme in the defence forces. "The Narendra Modi government has promised jobs to 80 crore youth of the country till 2022. After many years, this government has come up with recruitments in defence forces on contractual basis. This is a kind of MGNREGA scheme introduced in the defence forces. This is the pathetic outcome of promises of a government having massive victory in previous elections," Tejashwi said on his official twitter handle. He also shared a news article on PM Modi's promise of providing 80 crore jobs till 2022. Arvind Kumar Singh, the state spokesperson of BJP said: "The Narendra Modi government has taken a historic decision to launch Agnipath scheme in the country. It will give a boost to the defence forces and also make positive changes to make it stronger. The youth will get attractive salary packages and rigorous training. After the completion of tenure of four years, they will get certificates which help in searching for new jobs in future." <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Protest in Bihar for the second consecutive day" comment="subhead" text="Protest in Bihar for the second consecutive day">Protest in Bihar for the second consecutive day</cmsannotation> Meanwhile, the protest continues on the second day in several districts of Bihar against the Agnipath scheme of center. The protesters blocked Patna-New Delhi main train route at Buxar and Bhojpur districts. The agitating students had gathered in large numbers in Arrah and Buxar railway stations and damaged the railway properties. They pelted stones on the offices and platforms of these two stations leading to complete chaos. Several trains were stopped at Bihta, Bihiya, Dumraon, Raghunathpur, Chausa and other railway stations. Similar protests were also seen in Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Nawada, Gaya, Jahanabad, Chapra, Munger, Saharsa and other districts. The agitators mainly targeted railway stations and trains in these districts. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Delhi-Jaipur highway blocked" comment="subhead" text="Delhi-Jaipur highway blocked">Delhi-Jaipur highway blocked</cmsannotation> Hundreds of Army aspirants on Thursday blocked the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway in Gurugram's Bilaspur area in protest against Agnipath yojna, the government's new scheme for short-term recruitment into the armed forces. The traffic congestion on the expressway stretched over several kilometres. The protesting defence aspirants raised slogans against the PM Modi-led BJP government and demanded roll back of the new scheme. "The government should roll back the four-year plan. This new scheme will hamper the interest of the aspirants to join the Army to serve the nation," a protester said. A cop at the traffic police control room also confirmed the traffic snarl on the Delhi-Jaipur expressway near Bilaspur. "Our traffic personnel are on the spot to divert the traffic and pacify the protesters to clear the jam as they have stopped trucks in the middle of the highway to hamper the traffic movement on the expressway," he said. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="People in several districts of Uttar Pradesh also join the protest" comment="subhead" text="People in several districts of Uttar Pradesh also join the protest">People in several districts of Uttar Pradesh also join the protest</cmsannotation> Protests began in some districts of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday against the 'Agnipath' recruitment scheme of the Central government. Students blocked the GT road in Bulandshahr and raised slogans demanding the withdrawal of the scheme which allow short-term recruitment in the armed forces. The district officials had a tough time in persuading the protesters to call off the blockade. The protesters submitted a memorandum to the district magistrate. In Gonda, the protests were led by students who carried placards and shouted slogans against the scheme. Similarly, in Unnao too, protests were held with students and unemployed youth demanding that recruitment be done in the traditional way instead of short-term contract. (With inputs from IANS) SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/star-is-the-most-sensible-and-smartest-bidder-and-viacom18s-bid-is-over-exuberant-says-expert/articleshow/92249554.cms">Star is the most sensible and smartest bidder and Viacom18's bid is over exuberant says expert</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/this-dao-startup-founder-tells-why-he-partners-with-people-who-are-not-just-thinking-of-pumping-up-the-price/articleshow/92248986.cms">EXCLUSIVE: This DAO startup founder tells why he partners with people who are not ‘just’ thinking of pumping up the price</a>

Protest against 'Agnipath' turns violent in MP's Gwalior district

Gurugram, After farmers decided to intensify their agitation in support of their demands, Gurugram Police on Thursday beefed up security at several traffic junctions, toll plazas and Delhi-Haryana border areas in view of protesters' plan to block the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway during the week. "We have also beefed up security arrangements at border points in view of ongoing farmers' protests. We have issued an advisory to all officials concerned to take necessary precautionary measures in view of plans to block the expressway and toll plaza," ACP (Headquarters) Usha Kundu said. Police officials have been asked to intensify patrolling in all sensitive locations, especially in border areas and Kherki Daula toll plaza so as to prevent any untoward incident. While the farmers' protest continued for the 15th day on Thursday, <keyword id="3826242" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="gurugram-traffic-police">Gurugram Traffic Police</keyword> has issued a traffic advisory for crucial traffic points like Kapdiwas border, Bilaspur Chowk, Panchgaon Chowk, <keyword id="10408909" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="manesar-chowk">Manesar Chowk</keyword>, Kherki Daula toll plaza, <keyword id="6371658" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="hero-honda-chowk">Hero Honda Chowk</keyword>, Rajiv Chowk, and Shankar Chowk on the National Highway-48. The farmer's unions had said that after blocking the <keyword id="10347936" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="singhu">Singhu</keyword>, Tikri, Chilla and Ghazipur interstate border points connecting Delhi to Ambala, Hisar, Noida and Ghaziabad (both in Uttar Pradesh) respectively, they will block the Delhi-Jaipur highway or National Highway 48 that connects Delhi to Rajasthan via Haryana. The action will not only further disrupt Delhi's supply chains, but will also put pressure on commuters who may face huge traffic congestion on December 12. "The police has already tightened security and made appropriate arrangements to prevent any untoward incident. Also, nearly 2,000 police personnel have been deployed in sensitive locations in the district. The Gurugram police is also keeping in touch with counterparts in adjoining districts and state's police to monitor the movement of vehicles and people," Kundu added. The district police resumed on Thursday checking of suspicious vehicles. It also put up barricades on carriageway and state highways to check vehicles entering Gurugram district. A large number of security personnel, including senior police officers, were deployed in all sensitive locations. Police officials are visiting the toll plaza and border areas to take stock of the ground situation. "Amid the farmer's calls to block the expressway and Kherki Daula toll plaza, the Gurugram police is already on high alert. Security forces, including police personnel, rapid action force and others, have been deputed across the district," the ACP said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/facebook-hit-with-2-massive-antitrust-lawsuits-from-the-ftc-and-46-states-seeking-to-spin-off-instagram-and-whatsapp/articleshow/79652195.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Facebook hit with 2 massive antitrust lawsuits from the FTC and 46 states seeking to spin off Instagram and WhatsApp</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/airbnb-prices-ipo-at-68-per-share-will-raise-3-5-billion/articleshow/79653812.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Airbnb prices IPO at $68 per share, will raise $3.5 billion</a>

Farmers protest enters 15th day: Gurugram beefs up security as farmers' plan to block Delhi-Jaipur Expressway

The Delhi Police on Saturday increased deployment of personnel and placed more concrete barriers at <keyword id="10421167" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="various-border-points">various border points</keyword> as <keyword id="45092" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="farmers">farmers</keyword> have announced that they will intensify their protest against the Centre's new agri laws, with plans to block the Delhi-Jaipur highway and the Yumuna Expressway. There is no protest yet on Delhi's borders with Gurgaon and at other points of National Highway-8 that connects the national capital with Jaipur, a senior police officer said. "So far, there is no protest at Delhi-Gurgaon border. There is no disruption in traffic movement. However, we have <keyword id="10421168" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="proper-security-arrangements">proper security arrangements</keyword> in place to deal with any situation," the officer said. Taking to Twitter, social activist Yogendra Yadav, who is part of the ongoing protests, said farmers from areas in Rajasthan and Haryana are assembling on Saturday and their 'Delhi Chalo' march would begin on Sunday. "Farmers' 'Delhi march' on <keyword id="817624" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jaipur-Delhi">Jaipur-Delhi</keyword> highway will not start today and it will begin from Shahjahanpur border tomorrow. Today, farmers from Rajasthan and Haryana will congregate in Kotputli and Behror," Yadav tweeted in Hindi. The increase in security arrangement comes amid thousands of farmers protesting at various areas on Delhi's borders for the last 16 days and demanding that the legislations be withdrawn. The police have made adequate arrangements and these include multi-layered barricading and deployment of personnel. Measures have also been taken to ensure commuters do not face inconvenience at places were protest are being staged, another senior police officer said. The Delhi Traffic Police has deployed its personnel across important border points to ensure commuters do not face difficulties and is constantly updating people about open and closed routes on its Twitter handle. The developments come after farmer leaders on Wednesday rejected a government proposal to amend the new agri laws and announced they would intensify their agitation by blocking the Jaipur-Delhi and the Yamuna expressway by Saturday. In a tweet, the traffic police on Saturday informed commuters about the closure of the Singhu, Auchandi, Piau Maniyari and Mangesh borders. Since these borders are closed, it suggested that motorists take alternative routes via Lampur, Safiabad,Saboli and Singhu School toll tax borders. Traffic has been diverted from Mukarba and GTK Road. So, commuters have been advised to avoid Outer Ring Road, GTK Road and National Highway-44, the traffic police said. Due to the ongoing farmers' protests, it said that both the Chilla and the Ghazipur borders are also closed for traffic from Noida and Ghaziabad. "The Chilla &amp; Ghazipur borders are closed for traffic from <keyword id="4930517" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="noida-ghaziabad">Noida &amp; Ghaziabad</keyword> to Delhi due to farmers protests.People are advised to take alternate route for coming to Delhi via Anad Vihar, DND, Apsara &amp; bhopra borders," it tweeted. The Tikri and the Dhansa borders are also closed for traffic movement but the Jhatikara border is open only for two wheelers and pedestrian movement, the traffic police said in a tweet. Those going towards Haryana, can take Jharoda (only single carriageway), Daurala, Kapashera, Badusarai, Rajokri NH 8, Bijwasan/Bajghera, Palam Vihar and Dundahera borders as they are open, the traffic police said. The government had asked farmer groups to consider its proposals for amending the laws to address their concerns and said it was open to discussing its offer further whenever the unions want. Farmers leaders on Thursday also announced they would block railway tracks across the country if their demands were not met by the government and would announce a date for that soon. At least five rounds of formal talks have taken place between the Centre and representatives of farmers, mainly from Punjab and Haryana, protesting on various borders of the national capital for over two weeks, but the deadlock has continued with the unions sticking to their main demand for the repeal of the three contentious laws. The sixth round of talks between the government and farm union leaders, which was scheduled for Wednesday morning, was cancelled. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/top-stocks-to-watch-irctc-hdfc-bank-tcs-tvs-motor-dalmia-bharat-ultratech-acc-ambuja-and-others/articleshow/79672813.cms">Top stocks to watch — IRCTC, HDFC Bank, TCS, TVS Motor, Dalmia Bharat, UltraTech, ACC, Ambuja, and others</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/best-smartphones-of-2020-in-india/slidelist/79675101.cms">Best smartphones of 2020 in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/reports-suggest-that-tata-adani-and-hinduja-group-are-interested-in-air-india-divestment-plan/articleshow/79675955.cms">Last date for Air India divestment plan nears — reports suggest that Tata, Adani and Hinduja Group are interested</a>

Farmers' Protest: Security at Delhi borders increased after farmers' announcement to intensify stir

To make highways safer for people in India, the road transport ministry is planning to launch highway radio advisories, common in developed countries. The service will play an important role in providing them information about <keyword id="6361065" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="traffic">traffic</keyword>, weather and eateries. 
 To begin with, the road transport ministry has approached the <keyword id="384646" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Information-and-Broadcasting-Ministry">information and broadcasting ministry</keyword> to start its highway radio advisory service initially on three radio frequencies, a senior official told the Economic Times. 
 The government plans to build an intelligent transport system that addresses concerns regarding <keyword id="428051" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="environment-pollution">environment pollution</keyword> and road safety through <keyword id="2858733" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="better-data-collection">better data collection</keyword>. 
 Moreover, the road ministry would also launch IT-based initiatives like road asset management system, <keyword id="918528" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Vehicle-Tracking-System">vehicle tracking system</keyword> and real toll data management. It might use satellite to monitor road conditions, traffic, and encroachments. 
 
The official said the pilot project is expected on the Delhi-Jaipur highway. "We want to start the project on a pilot basis once we have the spectrum and other requirements," the official told the financial daily. 
 Once the road ministry gets the spectrum allocated for the radio stations, it will float tender inviting private players to operate the service, the official added. A meeting between the officials of the two ministries to discuss <keyword id="2858732" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="availability-of-spectrum">availability of spectrum</keyword> on the Delhi-Jaipur highway is likely to happen soon. 
 
"Flow of information about the highway to the user would bring in preparedness for most eventualities. However, it is ultimately the road condition that needs to be improved on this stretch, which can be a nightmare for a commuter at times," said an industry expert. 
 
The government has taken some steps for road accidents victims such as providing them free treatment on the Gurgaon-Jaipur stretch of the NH8. The project ensures medical care for the first 48 hours or up to Rs 30,000. 
 The road ministry has also been trying to expedite widening a 225.6 km stretch on the <keyword id="2858731" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Gurgaon-Kotputli-Jaipur">Gurgaon-Kotputli-Jaipur</keyword> section of NH8 to six lanes. The cost of developing the stretch is about Rs 1,673.7 crore. 
 
(Image: Indiatimes)

Drive safe! Now tune into updates on traffic and weather on the highway

The government is planning to award 100 highway projects on PPP next year, Union Minister <keyword id="26680" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nitin-gadkari">Nitin Gadkari</keyword> said today. 

	Asking investors to change their perception about public-private-partnership (PPP), the Road Transport and Highways Minister said all problems pertaining to the mode have been addressed and this year seven projects worth Rs 11,500 crore have already been awarded in contrast to a nil last year.
 "The government will award 100 projects on PPP mode next year. Under the hybrid model, we will give you on platter projects with land acquisition and <keyword id="6356826" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="environment">environment</keyword> clearances. 40 per cent cost will be borne by us while 60 per cent will be funded by you. Of the 60 per cent, banks will provide 30 per cent of the requirement," Gadkari said at India PPP summit by FICCI. 

	He said investors need not worry at all and just "change their perception about PPP" as in the present hybrid model even the toll collection will be done by the government adding PPP has received good response this year.
 

	The Minister said the government was planning to float tenders for about 18 projects by December.
 

	He said 95 per cent problems pertaining to PPP projects have been addressed and of the 283 projects, 44 were terminated.
 

	About Delhi-Jaipur Highway, he said the Rs 1,700 crore project will be completed by December as 85 per cent of the long-delayed project is completed while problems related to Delhi-Haridwar and Ranchi-Jamshedpur highways were being addressed.
 

	He said highways ministry has no dearth of funds but was lacking on two fronts - shortage of contractors and capacity constraints.
 Expressing commitment to transform highways network, he said Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> will do "bhoomi pujan" for access-controlled Rs 7,000 crore eastern highway project to decongest Delhi soon while Delhi-Meerut highway will be developed as a green expressway with 14 lanes on NH-24. 

	The national highways length would be increased to 1.5 lakh km from 1 lakh km at present as it does not match up to the 10 per cent annual growth in vehicles, he said.
 

	He added that apart from Buddha circuit, 1000 km of highways will be constructed to link 'char dhams'. Besides, one per cent of the highways construction cost will be set aside for plantation along the roads, which in turn would generate five lakh employment. He added that government also plans to build a number of expressways including Delhi-Mumbai, Mumbai-Nagpur, Delhi-Ludhiana and Bengaluru-Chennai.
 

	The Minister said both shipping and highways would contribute at least 2 per cent to the country's GDP.
 

	Also, he added that all the 12 major ports and SCI, DCI and Cochin Shipyard would post a profit of around Rs 6,000 crore this year.
 Gadkari said three new ports would be built in <keyword id="20154" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="tamil-nadu">Tamil Nadu</keyword>, <keyword id="6357783" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="West-Bengal">West Bengal</keyword> and Maharashtra. 

	He said 1,200 roadside amenities will be built besides 5,000 driving centres across the country to check corruption. 
 

	NHAI and builders would now solve their disputes amicably instead of going to courts as the PMO also is of the view to solve them through talks, he said. 
 

	Road Transport and Highways Secretary Vijay Chhibber said the PPP mode picked up last year after going through a rough patch for three years and this year, the government will award road projects totalling 10,000 km and complete 6,500 km, he said. 
 

	Last year, the government awarded projects totalling 8,000 km and completed 4,000 km. 
 

	Of the 1 trillion investment in infrastructure as per the 12th Five Year Plan, one-tenth ($95 billion) will go to road sector and private players will contribute about 50 per cent of it, he said. 
 

	Chhibber said the government had taken a number of initiatives to address the issues including rescheduling of premium, easy exit policy, one-time fund infusion and 20 amendments in concessionaires agreements. 
 

	Also, the government is considering compensation to developers in case the delays in projects were attributable to authorities. 
 

	He also said that a Rs 6 cess on diesel and petrol was contributing Rs 50,000 crore to the sector annually. 
 

	He said the government is considering monetisation of highways and of the 6,000 km under EPC, 200-300 km will be monetised this year.

	 
	 
	(Image credits: Indiatimes)

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Chakka Jam: Rajasthan farmers block highways including Delhi-Jaipur highway to protest against internet ban and farm laws

IANS

Farmers call for nationwide protest on December 14 — plan to block Delhi-Jaipur and Delhi-Agra highways starting December 12

Prabhjote Gill

Protest against 'Agnipath' turns violent in MP's Gwalior district

BI India Bureau

Farmers protest enters 15th day: Gurugram beefs up security as farmers' plan to block Delhi-Jaipur Expressway

IANS

Farmers' Protest: Security at Delhi borders increased after farmers' announcement to intensify stir

PTI

Drive safe! Now tune into updates on traffic and weather on the highway

BI India Bureau

100 highway projects on PPP on its way next year: Nitin Gadkari

BI India Bureau

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