Lucknow, Jan 21 (IANS): Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav Wednesday discussed the improvement of road transport in the state, officials said.

The chief minister stressed the need for a good network of roads in his state and said that development in this regard would directly reflect in the state's economy.

The two leaders also reviewed the progress of ongoing projects.

Gadkari assured the state of all possible support from the central government in expanding and strengthening roads as well as national highways.

Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Shivpal Singh Yadav said the union government should ensure the timely release of funds for the laying and maintenance of roads.

Gadkari was on a two-day visit to the state, where he laid foundation stones of various road projects in Basti, Faizabad, Siddharthanagar and Gorakhpur.

The central minister also announced a Rs.50,000 crore package for Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh.