In a monumental move to revolutionize the nation’s highway system, India’s Road Transport and Highways Ministry has outlined an ambitious plan to construct 50,000 km of high-speed (access-controlled) corridors by the year 2047. This transformative initiative aims to elevate the average speed of trucks on the National Highway network, fostering enhanced efficiency and aligning with broader infrastructure development goals.
Strategic Shift in Highway Construction
The proposed expansion, from the existing 3,913 kilometers as of 2023, represents a strategic shift in highway construction and upgrades. The envisioned high-speed corridors are anticipated to propel trucks to an average speed of 75-80 kmph, a substantial increase from the current 45 kmph average. This initiative is a crucial component of a larger plan dedicated to fortifying India’s infrastructure and achieving the nation’s growth objectives.
Efficient Implementation Aligned with Vision 2047
According to Road Transport and Highways Secretary Anurag Jain, project awards will align with Vision 2047, ensuring efficient implementation and minimizing overlap. This strategic approach aims to expedite the realization of the proposed high-speed corridors, contributing to India’s journey towards becoming a developed economy with a targeted GDP of approximately 30 trillion USD by 2047.
Progress Update on Port Connectivity Road Projects
Jain provided insights into the progress of port connectivity road projects, revealing that eight projects totaling 294 km have been completed, 28 projects covering 1,808 km have been awarded, and detailed project reports for 72 projects spanning 1,595 km are in preparation.
Parvatmala Pariyojana: Ropeway Projects on the Horizon
The announcement of 60 km ropeway projects under the Parvatmala Pariyojana signifies a notable advancement in ropeway infrastructure. These projects are expected to be awarded by the end of the fiscal year, underscoring the nation’s commitment to innovative and sustainable transportation solutions.
Success of the Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) Model
Jain highlighted the remarkable success of the Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) model, reporting that, since its introduction in 2018, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has raised an impressive Rs 26,366 crore through six rounds of road asset monetization.
