FM asks Aviation Ministry, DoT to ‘accelerate’ infra projects, capex

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday pitched for an “accelerated phase of infrastructure development” and front-loading of capital expenditure in a review meeting with key infrastructure ministries. The meeting was held with top officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Department of Telecommunications. Sitharaman urged the ministries to ensure higher capital spending in the coming months to achieve higher growth in the economy, as per a statement issued by the Finance Ministry.

The telecom department was asked to push its CPSE Capex, fast-track asset monetisation and ensure expeditious implementation of digital expansion plans in entire Northeast region on priority, it said. The need to enhance capital expenditure for the next fiscal year was emphasised.