Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that over 400 accidents prone spots across the country have been identified and his ministry is taking all out efforts to bring down the rate of fatalities in accidents. He said that over 1 lakh 20 thousand people die every year in road accidents in the country.

Replying to a discussion on the demands for grants of his ministry in the Lok Sabha, today, Mr. Gadkari said the government is in favour of laying concrete roads as it is less expensive and has longevity. He said trees on the roadside on the highways will not be uprooted from now onwards while widening the roads. Mr. Gadkari informed the House that he has called a meeting of trans-planters from some countries to transplant trees to some other places. He said the work of transplant of trees will be taken under MGNREGA which will generate employment also.

Mr. Gadkari said that to save time and money on transportation of goods, National Water Ways is also under consideration. Referring to condition of roads in North-Eastern states, Mr. Gadkari said 15000 crore rupees will be spent on road infrastructure in the region. He said the government is also paying special attention to roads in Jammu and Kashmir and tunnel work in Ladakh region would also be started soon.

Later, the House passed demands for grants by voice vote. Now the House has taken up discussion on demands for grants of Social Justice and Empowerment ministry.