In a first, two Rajasthan government bodies – Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) and Public Works Department (PWD) have come together to speed up infrastructure and industrial development the state.
RIICO, the apex industrial development agency and PWD, the nodal agency for civil works and road network development, will jointly construct and maintain 205 kms of road connecting 38 industrial areas of RIICO.
The cost of construction is estimated to be Rs 290.82 crores – equally divided between RIICO and PWD.
These roads will benefit the industrial areas falling in the districts of Abu Road, Ajmer, Balotra, Banswara, Bharatpur, Bhilwara, Churu, Dausa, Jaipur, Jalaur, Jhalawar, Kota, Neemrana, Sawai Madhopur, Sriganganagar and Udaipur.
Brains behind this tie up
Shikhar Agarwal, a 1993 batch IAS officer, who is working as RIICO chairman and Additional Chief secretary Industries and Praveen Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary PWD (1995 batch IAS) devised this unique model where RIICO and PWD – both departments will contribute equally for wholistic development of industrial areas.
While Shikhar Agarwal has been busy creating new industrial zones in the state, Praveen Gupta too is working towards widening and strengthening the road network in Rajasthan.
“It's a good example of collaboration between two departments. Generally departments work in silos but this initiative will encourage other departments also to collaborate towards progress of the state,” said RC Jain, former IAS officer, who has served in Rajasthan government at various key positions.
The benefits
It's a low cost high value proposition for the state government. PWD and RIICO will be putting Rs 145 crores each for constructing the road network. For smooth transportation of raw material and finished goods, better road network is needed. By constructing roads in these industrial areas, the time and cost of transportation will be reduced drastically resulting in a better value proposition for industries being operated from these industrial areas. Better road access will also encourage industrialists to set up industries promoting industrial growth and jobs in these areas.
The financials
The PWD has released an administrative and financial sanction amount of Rs. 290.82 crore for this project while RIICO has already transferred Rs 72.7 crores to PWD – 50% of its share of total Rs 145.41 crores. Now PWD will invite tenders for the upliftment and reinforcement of these roads and get the work done.
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