India’s Road Transport and Highways Ministry has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to reshape the nation’s highway network. By 2047, the ministry aims to expand high-speed (access-controlled) corridors to an extensive 50,000 kilometers, signaling a monumental shift in the approach to infrastructure development to align with India’s growth targets.
Key Aspects of the High-Speed Corridor Expansion Plan:
- Significant Increase in Network Length: The proposed expansion from the current 3,913 kilometers (as of 2023) to 50,000 kilometers by 2047 represents a strategic leap forward in highway construction and upgrades.
- Enhanced Travel Efficiency: Completion of this project is expected to increase the average speed of trucks on the national highway network from the current 45 kilometers per hour to 75-80 kilometers per hour, ushering in a new era of efficiency in transportation and logistics.
Vision Document for Infrastructure Sector:
- The ministry has finalized a vision document for the infrastructure sector, outlining the expansion of high-speed corridors, aligning with a larger policy framework aiming to propel India into a developed economy with a target GDP of around 30 trillion USD by 2047.
Strategic Allocation of Projects:
- Project allocations will be in line with ‘Vision 2047,’ ensuring improved implementation and minimal overlap, fostering smoother and more effective infrastructure development.
Port Connectivity and Ropeway Projects:
- Progress on port connectivity road projects includes completion of 8 projects (294 kilometers), approval for 28 projects (1,808 kilometers), and ongoing work on 72 projects (1,595 kilometers). Furthermore, plans for ropeway projects, including a 3.85-kilometer ropeway in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, under the Parvatmala Project, showcase diverse and forward-looking infrastructure initiatives.
Monetization of Road Assets:
- Since the launch of the Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) model in 2018, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has successfully completed six rounds of road asset monetization, raising a total of 26,366 crore INR.
Summary:
This extensive expansion of high-speed corridors by the Road Transport and Highways Ministry is a monumental leap in India’s infrastructure development. By improving connectivity and efficiency, this plan promises to elevate transportation nationwide, contributing significantly to India’s journey towards becoming a developed economy by 2047. The strategic planning and investment in infrastructure, encompassing roadways and ropeway projects, underscore India’s commitment to modernizing its transport systems and boosting economic growth.
