Lobbying by automobile companies will not stop transport rules from being tightened in two years to combat the alarming air pollution levels in New Delhi, said Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday.

Speaking at the ninth edition of the Mindmine Summit in Delhi, he said he would encourage foreign companies to invest in India if manufacturers here don’t comply with pollution norms. Gadkari also laid emphasis on the need for developing good infrastructure and skilling the young workforce.

“Availability of funds is not a constraint for infrastructure development. I am optimistic about overcoming other hurdles to attain desired levels of growth. We have projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore. We have gone to the Cabinet for these projects, which we can sell to foreign pension and insurance funds,” the road transport and highways minister said.

To bring down the construction cost of highways, he said, the government has appointed a committee.

Use of better technology and changing the cement specification code will reduce construction prices by about 10 per cent. The committee will submit its report soon, he added.

“Ninety-five lakh tonnes of cement supply has been assured by cement manufactures at a cost of Rs 120 to Rs 140 a bag as against a much higher market price,” he said.

Gadkari also stressed on the need for holistic development, stating that generation of investments for rural India is a must for India to show growth.

“Not just the industry but the agricultural sector must grow. The thrust is on generating more investments, and jobs, for rural India. Only then can India’s economy grow holistically.”