The Mines Ministry has asked the plan panel to speed up the infrastructural projects in mineral rich states, urging it to take it up with various ministries, including Road Transport.

"It is requested that Planning Commission may take up the matter with the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Road Transport, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Power for taking/expediting infrastructural projects in mineral rich states," an official with the Mines Ministry said.

The official further said the fate of a few road projects were still hanging fire due to problems like land acquisition.

The construction work of 82 KM Haridaspur-Paradip Railway line, which was likely to be completed in December 2008, had to be stopped due to land acquisition problem.

"Haridaspur-Paradip Railway Company that is formed will construct the new line...Due to land acquisition problems, construction work is presently stopped," the Ministry said.

Hubli-Ankola railway line, stretching over 162 Km, which was to be completed in October in 2009, was still awaiting clearance from Environment Ministry.

".....The case is pending with the Ministry of Environment and Forest for giving in principle approval for the project," the official said.

The official also said the Mines Ministry has received recommendations from the Goa Mining Association and All India Granites & Stone Association, among others, with regard to the present status of the infrastructure projects.

It had asked them to update on the current position and give recommendations.

Goa Mining Association highlighted on the need for dedicated roads for transportation of ore from mines to loading jetties, improvement on inland waterways, widening of the national highways and dredging among others.

"Apart from dredging, navigational aids are also needed.

As inland waterways in Goa are not declared as National Waterways, adequate funds from centre are also needed for this cause," Goa Mining Association said.

All India Granites & Stone Association said the transport system was way behind when compared to the international standards.

"Today our road transport system is totally an unorganised sector and has no coordination between roads, ports and railways," All India Granites & Stone Association said.

It also stressed upon the need to develop a sea transport system inter connecting each port for domestic purpose.