Hyderabad, March 22 (FN Representative) Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday praised Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) in the Parliament for completing Zojila Pass Tunnel project at Rs 7,000 crore against the estimated cost of Rs 12,000 crore. Gadkari while speaking at the budget session in Lok Sabha, said several companies even from various countries have participated in the tenders called for construction of the Zojila Pass Tunnel connecting Ladakh to other parts of the country, but the work was awarded to MEIL, which was quoted lowest cost.
“We encouraged Indian contractors for the project, the work was awarded to Megha company and our Government was able to save Rs 5,000 crore from this one single project,” the Union Minister said. India’s road infrastructure will be on par with the United States by the end of 2024, Gadkari said , “Our aim is to reduce the cost of construction and improve the quality. The services of Megha Company, which is carrying out construction, are commendable, he said. Work is in full swing for the Zojila tunnel in Kashmir and is expected to be completed by 2024, much before the scheduled target, he added.