Road Transport and Highways minister Nitin Gadkari said there has been a significant 59% growth in the overall length of National Highways in the country over the past nine years. As a result of this expansion, India now has the second largest road network, after the US.
Union Minister @nitin_gadkari says total length of National Highways in the country increased by about 59% in the last nine years
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Addressing a Press Conference in New Delhi on Tuesday Gadkari said: “Total length of National Highways was 91,287 km in 2013-14, which increased to 1,45,240 km in 2022-23, which is a rise of more than 59% during this period.”
Gadkari also mentioned that the length of 4-lane National Highways has nearly doubled in the last nine years. In the fiscal year 2013-14, the total length of 4-lane NH was 18,371 km, but it has now increased to 44,654 km.
Gadkari highlighted the positive impact of the introduction of FASTag on toll collection. He stated that toll revenues have significantly increased, reaching Rs 41,342 crore in the fiscal year 2022-23, compared to Rs 4,770 crore in 2013-14. The Government aims to increase the toll revenue to Rs 1,30,000 crore by 2030, Gadkari added.
Gadkari said the waiting time at toll plazas has also reduced as a result of this. “In 2014, the waiting time at the toll plazas was 734 seconds, whereas in 2023 this has reduced to 47 seconds. We are hopeful that we will bring it down to 30 seconds soon,” he said.
During his speech, Gadkari highlighted the transformative impact of FASTag on travel experiences in India, describing it as a revolutionary concept that has completely eliminated the need for cash transactions at toll plazas. This breakthrough has resulted in significant savings of approximately Rs 70,000 crore in wasted fuel expenses, which were previously incurred due to waiting times at toll plazas, according to a research.
The Minister emphasized the importance of expanding the road highway network in the North-East region. He stated that projects worth over Rs 2 lakh crore are currently underway in that area, indicating a special focus on its development. Gadkari mentioned that 670 roadside facilities are being developed along the National Highways to enhance the overall travel experience and provide a pleasant environment for travelers.
The Minister highlighted the success of the bond issue under the NHAI’s Infrastructure Investment Trust (INVIT) model. He mentioned that the bond received an overwhelming response, with seven times oversubscription within the first day of its availability on the Mumbai Stock Exchange. Nitin Gadkari urged investors to consider investing in NHAI INVIT, emphasizing the attractive interest rate of 8.05 percent, which surpasses traditional bank rates.
Furthermore, he said, the NHAI achieved seven world records, showcasing their commitment to technological advancements and their ambition to position India as the second-largest road network in the world, after the USA.
On the issue of green initiatives, Gadkari said NHAI transplanted more than 68,000 while it planted 3.86 crore trees in the last nine years. Talking about water rejuvenation initiatives, he said the NHAI has developed more than 15,00 Amrit Sarovars along the National Highways across the country.
The Minister pointed out that the Ministry has utilised 30 lakh tons of garbage in road construction for the Delhi Ring Road project, demonstrating a proactive approach towards waste management and sustainable infrastructure development. Furthermore, he highlighted the introduction of bamboo crash barriers, which provide enhanced strength and durability while generating employment opportunities and promoting environmental sustainability.
In line with the Government’s commitment to a sustainable future, Nitin Gadkari unveiled a vision for increased Electric Vehicle adoption over the next five years, promoting clean energy and reducing carbon emissions.