India’s road network has undergone a transformative journey in recent years, with remarkable growth and development making it the second-largest road network in the world. From improving existing highways to constructing new expressways, India’s road connectivity has taken a giant leap forward, enhancing accessibility, promoting economic growth, and transforming the lives of millions.
Growth of India’s Road Network
Under the leadership of Nitin Gadkari, India’s road network has witnessed a tremendous 59% growth in the last nine years. Today, the country boasts an expansive road network spanning 1,45,240 km, compared to 91,287 km in 2013-14. This remarkable progress has made India the second-largest road network in the world.
One of the key drivers of India’s road network growth is the rapid expansion of National Highways (NH). Over the past nine years, the length of 4-lane NH has increased from 18,371 km to an impressive 44,654 km. Despite pandemic and lockdown, India has constructed 10,457 km of highways in FY22. Under the Union Budget 2023-24, the
Government of India has allocated Rs. 2.7 lakh crore (US$ 33 billion) to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. In FY23 (until December), the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways constructed national highways extending 6,318 km.
This expansion has significantly improved connectivity, easing the movement of people and goods across the country. The government’s relentless focus on constructing world-class highways has also paved the way for smoother and faster travel.
Revolutionizing Toll Collection with FASTag
The introduction of FASTag has revolutionized the concept of toll payments in India. With the adoption of this electronic toll collection system, there has been a substantial increase in toll revenue. In just a few years, toll collection revenue surged from Rs 4,770 crore in 2013-14 to an impressive Rs 41,342 crore in FY23. The government aims to further escalate toll revenue to Rs 1,30,000 crore by 2030. Moreover, FASTag has significantly reduced waiting times at toll plazas, saving precious time and fuel for commuters. The waiting time has reduced from 734 seconds in 2014 to an astonishing 47 seconds in 2023, with further plans to bring it down to 30 seconds.
Special Emphasis on the North East Region
The North East region of India has received special attention in the expansion of the road highway network. Projects worth over Rs 2 lakh crore are underway in the region, promising enhanced connectivity and better infrastructure. Additionally, the development of 670 roadside facilities along the National Highways in the region aims to provide a pleasant travel experience for commuters.
Green Initiatives in Road Development
The Transport and Highways Ministry has been at the forefront of green initiatives, promoting sustainability and environmental conservation. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has undertaken extensive tree transplantation, with over 68,000 trees transplanted, and planted a staggering 3.86 crore trees in the last nine years.
This commitment to environmental preservation extends to water rejuvenation initiatives and the development of more than 15,000 Amrit Sarovars along the highways. The ministry’s innovative approach includes the use of 30 lakh tons of garbage in road construction for the Delhi Ring Road project, showcasing its proactive stance towards waste management and sustainable infrastructure development.
Some of the recent Government initiatives
• NHAI plans to construct 25,000 kilometres of national highways in 2022-23 at a pace of 50 km per day.
• India’s Gati Shakti program has consolidated a list of 81 high-impact projects, out of which road infrastructure projects were the top priority.
• The Indian government launched Gati Shakti-National Master Plan, which will help lead a holistic and integrated development of infrastructure generating immense employment opportunities in the country.
• In October 2021, the government launched a conversion project in which these roads are converted to weather-resilient ones, and further strengthen the development of the region.
• In October 2021, the government announced a plan to install charging stations every 40 to 60 kilometres on national highways to strengthen wayside amenities.
• The government also aims to construct 23 new national highways by 2025.
Significance of Road Connectivity
Road connectivity is the backbone of a thriving economy. It plays a pivotal role in facilitating trade, commerce, and socio-economic development across regions. A well-connected road network opens up new markets, fosters industrial growth, and boosts tourism, driving overall economic progress. Furthermore, improved road connectivity ensures efficient transportation of essential goods, healthcare services, and emergency response systems, positively impacting the lives of millions. Road construction and maintenance will also create significant employment opportunities, providing livelihoods to millions of people.
Upcoming Expressways: Unlocking New Avenues of Connectivity
India’s commitment to enhancing road connectivity is exemplified by a series of upcoming expressways that will further revolutionize transportation.
1. Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: A transformative project under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, this expressway will span 1350 km and significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and Mumbai, incorporating trauma centers and rest stops along the route.
2. Dwarka Expressway: This elevated urban expressway connecting Delhi to Haryana aims to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance connectivity between the two regions, with provisions for an integrated metro route.
3. Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway: Spanning 701 km, this expressway will connect major cities like Nagpur, Mumbai, Aurangabad, and Nashik, reducing travel time and promoting faster economic growth.
4. Ganga Expressway: A six-lane highway project, the Ganga Expressway will link Meerut to Prayagraj, reducing travel time and boosting connectivity across major cities in Uttar Pradesh.
5. Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway: This 650 km expressway connects Delhi to Katra in Jammu and Kashmir, facilitating religious tourism and providing modern facilities along the route.
Conclusion
India’s road connectivity has come a long way, with tremendous growth and development witnessed in recent years. The tireless efforts have propelled India’s road network to be the second-largest in the world. Through the adoption of innovative technologies like FASTag and a commitment to sustainability, India is forging ahead in creating a robust and efficient road infrastructure. With upcoming expressways and highways on the horizon, the nation is poised for further economic growth, enhanced connectivity, and improved quality of life for its citizens.
