Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping has conveyed that during its meeting held on 24th May 2017, the Cabinet approved the proposal for earmarking two and one-half percent of Central Road Fund (CRF) for the development and maintenance of National Waterways by reducing the National Highways’ share of CRF cess and for amending the CRF Act, 2000 accordingly.
The distribution of the CRF for development of rural roads, development and maintenance of national highways, railways, development and maintenance of state roads and for development and maintenance of road in border areas are governed by the CRF Act, 2000 amended by the Finance Act, 2016.
The estimated amount of CRF accrual as per Budget Estimate (BE) 2017-18 is Rs.81,250 crore. The funds accrued under the CRF during 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 were Rs. 26,108 crore, Rs. 69,809 crore and Rs. 80,800 crore respectively.