In an unparalleled development of infrastructure, the construction of national highways in India has reached the level never experienced before, which constitutes a landmark achievement in the nation’s road network. As per the latest report, the proportion of ‘four-lane and above’ highway sections built during fiscal year 2023-24 has touched its peak, with an amazing 43% of all the National Highway (NH) stretches falling in this category.
The completion of 3,297 km of highways is an amazing result, which is almost a 16% increase in the current pace of the construction compared to the previous ten months. This building spurt is determined to go on over the remaining two months of the fiscal year, surpassing all the previous feats
In contrast to the previous trends, which concentrated simply on enhancing existing highways and widening NHs by constructing only two-lane roads, the current focus is on building wider highways and expressways. This implementation strategy that began in 2019-20 has resulted in a threefold increase annually in the construction of highways with more than four lanes from the level of 2013-14.
Data shows that the construction of four-lane and above highways has been increasing dramatically; the figure was 1,332 km in 2013-14 and reached 4,635 km in 2022-23. Moreover, the length of NHs with less than two lanes has hugely reduced from 27,517 kilometers in March 2014 to 14,300 kilometers presently.
The officials are looking forward to a performance of a record-breaker surpassing last years achievements. The main aim is to meet people’s demand for wider roads and highways. The government’s target of 75,000 km of four-lane and above highways by 2030 is increasing the current 47,000 km. At the same time, all NHs will be converted to at least two-lane highways by 2030.
Yet, while the festivity of this infrastructure feat is produced, issues concerning the sustainability of the rapid growth come into the forefront. There are still questions about environmental impacts, land acquisitions problems, and the distribution issue from an equitable perspective. Furthermore, the viability and long term sustainability of the existing extensive networks of highways in urbanization and changing trends in the transport industry needs to be taken into account.
Massive outlay of highway infrastructure is primarily due to the increase in budgetary outlay for the sector from Rs 31,130 crore in 2013-2014 to an impressive Rs 2.8 Lakhs for the current fiscal year 2024-2025. Furthermore, the combination of the public and private sector contribution into highway sector including from private sector has gained a huge boost from Rs 59,135 crores in 2013-14 to Rs 2.23 lakh crores in 2023-24.
The transformation of India into a more modern and developed nation through the building of its transportation systems demonstrates the country’s resolve to make the dreams of connectivity and progress a reality. Although the country has started its highway infrastructural development programs, there is a need to apply a call of striking a balance between growth and sustainability in order to both realize a prosperous and resilient future for all.
