India is set to embark on an ambitious journey to upgrade 25,000 km of two-lane highways to four lanes at a cost of ₹10,00,000 crore (US$ 117 billion), according to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari. The initiative is aimed at enhancing road connectivity, improving safety standards, and reducing travel time across the country. Additionally, 16,000 km of four-lane highways will be widened to six lanes at an estimated cost of ₹6,00,000 crore (US$ 69.93 billion). The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for these massive projects are currently under preparation, with construction expected to begin within the next two years.

Focus on Reducing Road Accidents

One of the primary objectives of these upgrades is to reduce road accidents and fatalities. India records approximately 4.5 lakh road accidents annually, resulting in the loss of 1.88 lakh lives, with the majority of victims being under 45 years old. Minister Gadkari emphasised that road accidents cost India 3% of its GDP annually, prompting the government to set a target to reduce road mishaps by 50% by 2030.

The widening of highways to four and six lanes will improve traffic management, reduce congestion, and enhance safety by creating better-divided roadways and ensuring smoother vehicular movement. This initiative is aligned with India's long-term vision of enhancing road safety and building world-class infrastructure.

Strategic Focus on Priority Regions

The Indian government has prioritised highway development in regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, the northeastern states, and hilly areas like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Road construction projects worth ₹2,00,000 crore (US$ 23.31 billion) are underway in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), with special emphasis on building tunnels to facilitate seamless connectivity in difficult terrains.

Zojila Tunnel: Asia’s Longest Sub-Zero Temperature Tunnel

One of the most prestigious projects underway is the Zojila tunnel, which is Asia’s longest sub-zero temperature tunnel. Estimated at a cost of ₹6,000 crore (US$ 699 million), the Zojila tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil, and Leh. Mr. Gadkari invited Members of Parliament (MPs) to witness this engineering marvel, which is expected to be a game-changer for connectivity in the region.

Jammu-Srinagar Highway Development

Significant progress has been made on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, where 36 tunnels are being constructed to improve connectivity between these two key regions. 12 tunnels have already been completed, and once the entire project is finished, travel time between Jammu and Srinagar will be reduced to three and a half hours from the current seven hours.

Delhi-Leh Expressway Project

In addition to regional highway upgrades, work is underway on the Delhi-Leh expressway, a project that aims to halve the travel time between Delhi and Leh from the current 12 hours. This expressway, once completed, will significantly enhance connectivity to remote areas and boost tourism and trade in the northernmost parts of the country.

Expansion of Highway Network and Modernisation

India’s ambitious plan to upgrade 25,000 km of highways to four lanes and 16,000 km of highways to six lanes underscores the government’s commitment to modernising India’s road infrastructure. The DPRs for these projects are being prepared with a focus on ensuring that the construction is completed efficiently and within the stipulated timelines.

Key Features of the Expansion Plan:

• Four-Lane Widening: 25,000 km of two-lane highways to be widened to four lanes at a cost of ₹10 lakh crore (US$ 117 billion).

• Six-Lane Expansion: 16,000 km of four-lane highways to be upgraded to six lanes at a cost of ₹6 lakh crore (US$ 69.93 billion).

• Timeline: Construction is expected to commence within two years, with completion targeted before 2030.

Economic Impact of Highway Expansion

The expansion of India’s highway network is expected to have a transformative impact on the economy by:

• Boosting Trade and Connectivity: Improved road infrastructure will enhance the movement of goods and services, reducing travel time and fuel costs.

• Enhancing Regional Development: Upgraded highways will connect remote regions to major economic hubs, promoting inclusive growth.

• Creating Employment Opportunities: Large-scale construction projects will generate employment in the construction and allied sectors.

Safety and Structural Upgrades

In addition to increasing capacity, the government is also focusing on enhancing road safety measures to reduce accident rates. The projects include:

• Median Dividers and Crash Barriers: Installation of median dividers and barriers to prevent head-on collisions.

• Intelligent Traffic Management Systems: Adoption of AI-based traffic monitoring systems to improve traffic flow and safety.

• Emergency Response Infrastructure: Development of emergency response services along highways to provide quick assistance in case of accidents.

Addressing Environmental Concerns

The government is taking proactive steps to ensure environmental sustainability in highway construction projects. Measures include:

• Use of Recycled Materials: Encouraging the use of recycled asphalt and construction materials to reduce the environmental footprint.

• Tree Plantation Drives: Planting trees along highways to mitigate carbon emissions and enhance green cover.

• Adoption of Green Technologies: Implementation of solar-powered lighting systems along highways to promote sustainable development.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While the expansion of India’s highway network promises numerous benefits, it also comes with challenges that need to be addressed. These include:

• Land Acquisition Issues: Securing land for large-scale projects can delay construction timelines.

• Environmental Clearances: Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations is essential for sustainable growth.

• Maintenance and Upkeep: Regular maintenance of highways to prevent deterioration and ensure long-term usability.

Key Takeaways:

• India to widen 25,000 km of highways to four lanes at ₹10 lakh crore to enhance connectivity.

• 16,000 km of highways will be upgraded to six lanes, with DPRs in progress for major projects.

• Zojila tunnel and Jammu-Srinagar highway projects aim to improve connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, with significant progress reported.

Conclusion:

India’s plan to upgrade 25,000 km of highways and expand 16,000 km to six lanes is a monumental step towards building world-class infrastructure. These projects will not only reduce travel time and boost economic growth but also enhance safety and improve regional connectivity. With strategic focus on priority regions and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, India is well on its way to achieving its goal of reducing road accidents by 50% by 2030 and ensuring safer, faster, and more efficient transportation systems for its citizens.

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