Modi opens ~110-bn Eastern Peripheral e-way

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the ~110-billion Eastern Peripheral Expressway. Addressing a rally after the inauguration, he took a dig at the Congress, saying it was ‘openly’ spreading lies for its narrow political gains. Also, at the rally, which came a day before by- election in the Kairana Lok Sabha constituency, he said those with selfish motives (referring to the Dalit trillion Bharatmala He Congress issues. crocodile said that provision for party) apart highways, tears are from shedding over for ~5 a provision made strengthen in of agriculture the ~14 trillion budget related was to infrastructure. The government is sensitive to the plight of sugarcane farmers and adequate steps are taken to provide proper prices for their crop, he said.

While talking about social justice, Modi said his government is committed to the protection of dalits and has constituted special courts for fast-track hearing of cases of atrocities. Lauding Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, he said criminals in UP are now surrendering themselves and pledging not to indulge in illegal acts. About the Ganga cleaning programme, Modi said more than 200 projects worth ~210 billion for have been taken up.

Modi said the opposition was spreading rumours on farmer issues and asked people not to give credence to lies about farms being given on contract farming.

In his about 50 minute speech, he said all-round development work has been initiated.

Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said, the expressway will reduce 27 per cent pollution and ease 41 per cent traffic jam.

He said the highway was built in a record 500 days against 910 days time.