According to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, India’s road network has expanded significantly in recent years. He stated that over the previous nine years, the length of the nation’s national highways had risen by almost 59%. India now ranks second globally regarding the size of its road network, only behind the United States.
The length of national highways increased from 91,287 kilometres in 2013–14 to 145,240 kilometres in 2022–23, reflecting an increase of more than 59% over this time, according to data presented by Gadkari during a news conference in New Delhi.
He emphasized that the length of four-lane national highways had essentially doubled in the previous nine years. The nation’s four-lane highway system had 18,371 miles in 2013–14; it presently has 44,654 kilometres.
Gadkari highlighted how FASTag, an electronic toll-collecting system, has improved the collection process. He added that toll revenue has greatly increased, rising to 41,342 crore in 2022–23 from 4,770 crore in 2013–2014. By 2030, the government wants to increase toll income to 1,30,000 crore.
Gadkari also remarked on the decrease in toll plaza wait times brought on by these changes. The typical wait time at toll plazas has fallen to 47 seconds in 2023 from 734 seconds in 2014. The minister expressed hope that it would further reduce to 30 seconds soon.
Gadkari complimented FASTag for its transformative impact on India’s travel experiences, as it has made paying tolls without cash unnecessary. The fuel costs associated with queuing at toll booths have been reduced by an estimated 70,000 crore thanks to this invention.
The minister emphasised that the North East area is focusing on increasing its transportation system, with projects totalling more than $2 lakh crore already underway. 670 roadside facilities are also being built to improve the journey along national routes.
He emphasized the INVIT (Infrastructure Investment Trust) model of the NHAI (National Highways Authority of India), which recorded a seven-fold oversubscription on its launch day on the Mumbai Stock Exchange. Gadkari urged investors to consider investing in NHAI INVIT, which provides an alluring interest rate of 8.05%, higher than that of conventional banks.
Gadkari also noted that the NHAI set seven world records, demonstrating their dedication to technological breakthroughs and their aim of making India the country with the second-largest global road network, after the United States.
Gadkari revealed that the NHAI had planted 3.86 crore trees and transplanted over 68,000 trees during the last nine years in relation to environmental activities. In order to revitalise water supplies, more than 1,500 water features known as “Amrit Sarovars” have been constructed alongside national highways.
The minister emphasised the ministry’s initiative in trash management and environmentally friendly infrastructure construction. For instance, the Delhi Ring Road project used 30 lakh tonnes of waste in its construction.
Gadkari also highlighted the use of bamboo crash barriers, emphasising their improved strength and durability and their ability to create jobs and advance environmental sustainability.
Gadkari launched a plan to encourage greater use of electric vehicles over the following five years, along with the government’s commitment to a sustainable future, with the goal of fostering clean energy use and lowering carbon emissions.
