January 9th 2025.
New Delhi: India's National Highway network has seen a significant growth of 60% in the past 10 years, increasing from 91,287 km in 2014 to 146,195 km in 2024. This remarkable feat has made India the second largest road network in the world, as stated in the year-end review released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Thursday.
One of the noteworthy achievements is the increase in National High-Speed Corridors, which have grown from a mere 93 km in 2014 to 2,474 km in 2024. This reflects a substantial improvement in the country's infrastructure. The growth in highways can be attributed to the government's policies, including flagship programs like the Bharatmala Pariyojana, according to the official statement.
Furthermore, the statement highlighted the addition of 2,540 km of highways through externally aided projects with financial assistance from organizations like the World Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Asian Development Bank as of November 30, 2024.
In a recent development, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the development of 8 National High-Speed Corridor projects spanning 936 km at a cost of Rs 50,655 crore. This move is estimated to generate 4.42 crore man-days of direct and indirect employment.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways also plans to develop a network of 35 Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, with an investment of about Rs 46,000 crore. These MMLPs, once operational, will be capable of handling around 700 million metric tonnes of cargo. 15 prioritized locations will be developed with an investment of Rs 22,000 crore under this project.
The statement also explained that these MMLPs will serve as regional cargo aggregation and distribution hubs, catering to industrial and agricultural nodes, consumer hubs, and EXIM gateways with multi-modal connectivity. In some cases, MMLPs are being developed in conjunction with Inland Waterway Terminals to facilitate cost-effective inland cargo movement on a larger scale compared to traditional road-based transportation.
To ensure seamless connectivity to all operational ports in the country, the Ministry has developed a comprehensive Port Connectivity Masterplan, identifying 59 critical infrastructure projects spanning 1,300 km for implementation.
The Prime Minister has inaugurated several road development projects this year, which have improved connectivity and spurred economic development in their respective regions. One of the notable projects is the Sudarshan Setu Bridge, a 2,320-meter-long cable-stayed bridge built at a cost of approximately Rs 980 crore, connecting Okha mainland and Beyt Dwarka island. This iconic bridge will also serve as a popular tourist destination in Devbhumi Dwarka.
Additionally, the government has introduced the All India Tourist Permit Module, developed by NIC, to simplify interstate travel and enhance mobility for tourists by eliminating the need for multiple permits. A scheme has also been proposed for providing cashless treatment to victims of road accidents caused by motor vehicles.
In efforts to improve road safety, the government has identified and rectified black spots on National Highways and is taking measures to ensure safe and efficient transportation. The government's Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities are now operational in 19 states and UTs, with 66 additional centers under construction.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has made significant strides in improving the country's infrastructure and connectivity, with a focus on sustainable and safe transportation. These developments are expected to have a positive impact on the economy and the overall growth of the nation.
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