<h1>PWD minister orders fast-tracked national highway projects through expedited land, forest and environmental clearances and local grievance redressal</h1> The PWD minister instructed officials to ensure timely execution of ongoing and upcoming national highway projects by expediting land acquisition, forest clearances and environmental approvals, and addressing local grievances. At the first meeting of a Special Task Force for infrastructure projects, the minister ordered close coordination between state departments and national highway authorities to resolve pending issues, including dredging of a major river, utility shifting and identification of dumping sites. Emphasis was placed on inter-departmental cooperation and time-bound action to minimise disaster losses, and the minister commended authorities' work on highway construction and post-monsoon restorations.