Even Nitin Gadkari fined for zooming on Mumbai’s Sea Link

Mumbai: Strongly defending the newly-amended Motor Vehicle Act (MVA), Union Minister Transport Nitin Gadkari admitted that he too was fined for speeding on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, here on Monday.

“People keep complaining about the higher penalties… Even I have been fined for over-speeding on the BWSL since the car was registered in my name,” said Gadkari, addressing the media to mark the completion of the 100 day of the NDA 2.0 government.

The minister reiterated his view that the stiff fines are levied “to keep the people safe” on the roads by reducing accidents, besides resulting in transparency, discipline and reducing corruption.

“Now, even the road contractors and the vehicle manufacturers shall be fined under the new MVA, to restore the fear of the law… There around five lakhs road accidents every year which kill 1,50,000 and maim another 250,000-300,000 people,” Gadkari pointed out on the significance of the MVA.

It may be recalled that the Ministry of Road Transport had notified the new provisions of the MVA, 2019 which came into effect in most states from Sep. 1, raising apprehensions among the people as it has stipulated heavy fines and stringent penalties for any violations of traffic rules.

On the growing incidents of road mishaps, Gadkari said it was due to poor road and automobiles engineering and the government will spend Rs.14,000 crores to correct 786 ‘black spots’ or dangerous spots on the national highways’ network.

Listing out the highlights of the first 100 days of the second term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said these included the revocation of provisions of the Article 370 for the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir, the criminalisation of instant Triple Talaq giving justice to suffering Muslim women.

“We started working immediately after taking over and have got good support from the people around the country…This is just the trailer… the entire film will unroll in the next five years,” Gadkari assured.

Referring to Jammu & Kashmir, he said after Art. 370 was struck down, the government has granted funds to the panchayats in the state for taking up developmental works.

Gadkari said his ministry was executing projects worth Rs.60,000 crore, for building all-season like roads, tunnels, bridges etc.