Shri Oscar Fernandes has taken over as new Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways here today. Shri Fernandes is a Rajya Sabha member (INC) from Karnataka. Earlier, he has held the charge of Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and Labour and Employment Ministry during UPA I
. Speaking on the occasion Shri Farnandes said that issues related to road sector will be resolved through consultation and persuasion with all involved. He asked senior officers in the Ministry to chalk out priorities specially the recurring issues and take action accordingly.