New Delhi: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader T R Baalu today (May 26, 2004) assumed office as Minister for Shipping and Road Transport and Highways, saying his priority will be to develop infrastructure for rapid economic progress.

Baalu, who was welcomed at the Transport Bhawan by Road Transport and Highways Secretary Ajai Vikram Singh and Shipping Secretary D T Joseph, had not assumed office earlier following a row over allotment of portfolios.

"There is a quantum jump in economic and industrial growth in the country for which all our highways have to be upgraded to international level," he told reporters after taking charge.

Baalu said his other priorities include development of inland waterways and operational and financial efficiency of ports.