India’s Road Transport and Highways Ministry has laid out an ambitious plan to revolutionize the country’s highway network. By 2047, the ministry aims to expand the high-speed (access-controlled) corridors to an impressive length of 50,000 kilometers. This initiative is part of a broader vision to enhance India’s infrastructure and align with the country’s growth targets.
Key Aspects of the High-Speed Corridor Expansion Plan:
- Significant Increase in Network Length: The proposed expansion from the current length of 3,913 kilometers (as of 2023) to 50,000 kilometers by 2047 marks a monumental increase. It represents a strategic shift in the nation’s approach to building and upgrading highways.
- Enhanced Travel Efficiency: According to Road Transport and Highways Secretary Anurag Jain, the completion of this project will increase the average speed of trucks on the national highway network from the current 45 kilometers per hour to 75-80 kilometers per hour. This boost in efficiency will have far-reaching impacts on transportation and logistics across India.
- Vision Document for Infrastructure Sector: The ministry has finalized a vision document for the infrastructure sector, outlining the expansion of high-speed corridors. This document is part of a larger policy framework aimed at transforming 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 the ‘Vision 2047’, ensuring improved implementation and minimal overlap. This strategic approach is expected to facilitate smoother and more effective infrastructure development.
- Port Connectivity and Ropeway Projects: Out of 108 port connectivity road projects, 8 (spanning 294 kilometers) have been completed, 28 (1,808 kilometers) approved, and 72 (1,595 kilometers) are in progress. Additionally, the ministry plans to approve 60 kilometers of ropeway projects under the Parvatmala Project by the end of the fiscal year, including a 3.85-kilometer ropeway in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
- Monetization of Road Assets: Since the launch of the Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) model in 2018, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed six rounds of road asset monetization through the TOT mode, raising a total of 26,366 crore INR.
Summary: This extensive expansion of high-speed corridors by the Road Transport and Highways Ministry represents a major leap in India’s infrastructure development. By enhancing connectivity and efficiency, this plan is not only set to improve transportation across the nation but also to contribute significantly to India’s journey towards becoming a developed economy by 2047. The strategic planning and investment in infrastructure, including roadways and ropeway projects, demonstrate India’s commitment to modernizing its transport systems and boosting economic growth.