D.P. Gupta, director (roads and highways), Asian Institute of Transport Development, giving Dr. K.L. Rao endowment lecture at GITAM in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: Special Arangement more-in Improving transport productivity has become a big challenge, according to D.P. Gupta, director (roads and highways), Asian Institute of Transport Department. Mr. Gupta, former Director General of Road Development and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, delivered the Dr. K.L. Rao endowment lecture at a meeting conducted by Department of Civil Engineering, GITAM (deemed to be university) here on Wednesday. Describing Dr. K.L. Rao as an illustrious engineer of the country, he said attracting private financing, safe roads, good roads and addressing social concerns should be prioritised. He said reducing environmental harm, resource efficiency, knowledge development, efficient and effective delivery and capacity building were the issues which needed attention of all the stakeholders. He said under Bharatmala Praiyojana, a massive investment of ?5.35 trillion (?5.35 lakh crore) was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create 24,800 km in first phase and balance 10,000 km under National Highway Development Programme. Achieving goals Referring to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, he said the task ahead included reduction in fatalities due to road accidents, doubling energy efficiency, developing quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure and reducing inequality. Stating that roads were a critical component of transport system, Mr. Gupta said transport infrastructure was necessary for achieving several other SDGs such as farm productivity, checking air pollution, access to safe drinking water, building sustainable cities, reducing food loss and climate change adaptation and mitigation. He said building urban infrastructure would serve no purpose if rural roads were denied the needed focus . GITAM V-C M.S. Prasada Rao was present.

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