Union Road Ministry Plans Ambitious Expansion Of High-Speed Corridors
In a significant move towards enhancing road infrastructure, Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed the construction of 50,000 km of high-speed (access-controlled) corridors by the year 2047.
Anurag Jain, the Secretary of Road Transport and Highways, has been quoted in media that once this ambitious project is completed, the average travel speed of trucks on the National Highway network is expected to increase from the current 45 kmph to an impressive 75-80 kmph.
Jain noted that the total length of high-speed corridors, which was 353 km in 2014, had already increased to 3,913 km in 2023, showcasing the country's commitment to modernising its road infrastructure.
The vision for this extensive expansion is part of a broader infrastructure sector vision document being prepared by NITI Aayog, with the goal of propelling India into a developed economy with an estimated GDP of USD 30 trillion by 2047.
This comprehensive vision document is expected to be released by the Prime Minister by the end of January.
Jain emphasised that the awarding of projects would align with Vision 2047 to streamline implementation and minimise any potential overlap. He also provided updates on other ongoing projects, stating that out of 108 port connectivity road projects totaling 3,700 km, eight projects covering 294 km have been completed, 28 projects covering 1,808 km have been awarded, and detailed project reports for 72 projects covering 1,595 km are currently in progress.
Under the Parvatmala Pariyojana, a significant infrastructure initiative, plans for 60-km ropeway projects are scheduled for award by the end of the current fiscal year. Jain highlighted the ongoing construction of a 3.85 km ropeway in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and the invitation of bids for nine projects totaling 36 km in length.
Jain also provided insights into the success of the Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) model, initiated in 2018. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), following six rounds of road asset monetization through the TOT mode, has successfully raised Rs 26,366 crore, showcasing the viability of this financing model for road infrastructure development in the country.
