Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday stated that he will neither put up posters or provide tea to people in his constituency during the upcoming Lok Sabha election in 2024, adding "those who have to vote will vote and those who do not will not," news agency ANI reported. Gadkari was speaking at the inauguration of the 3 National Highway projects in Washim. Addressing the gathering, Gadkari stated: "For this Lok Sabha election I have decided that no banners or posters will be put up neither tea will be offered to people. Those who have to vote will vote and those who do not will not...Neither will I take bribe nor will I allow anyone."
In Washim, Maharashtra, Gadkari dedicated three National Highways (NH) projects costing Rs 3695 crore.
According to an official statement issued by the ministry of Road Transport & Highways, in the previous nine years, 227 km of roadway have been built in Washim district, linking Vidarbha and Marathwada. The four-lane National Highway 161 between Akola in Maharashtra and Sangareddy in Telangana is becoming increasingly vital in boosting commercial links between the two states.
The first package on the highway from Akola to Medshi (48 km) costs Rs 1,259 crore and includes four air pools, ten underpasses, and 85 culverts. The second package, which runs 45 km from Medshi to Washim and costs Rs 1,394 crore, comprises 13 bus shelters, a 6-lane ROB, and a Washim municipal bypass. In addition, the major bridge across the Kayadhu river, Kalamanuri, and the Akhara-Balapur city bypass are included in the third package, which runs 42 kilometres from Pangre to Warangafata and costs Rs 1042 crore.