Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the total length of National Highways in India has grown by approximately 59% in the past nine years. This expansion has resulted in India now possessing the second largest road network globally, second only to the United States. During a Press Conference held in New Delhi, Minister Gadkari stated that the National Highways’ length increased from 91,287 km in 2013-14 to 1,45,240 km in 2022-23, representing a growth of more than 59% over this period.
Furthermore, he highlighted the significant rise in the length of four-lane National Highways, which has doubled in the past nine years. In 2013-14, the four-lane NH measured 18,371 km, and it has now reached 44,654 km. Secretary MoRTH Anurag Jain and NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav were also present at the Press Conference.
Nitin Gadkari emphasized the positive impact of FASTag in enhancing toll collection, informing that toll revenues have increased from ₹4,770 crore in 2013-14 to ₹41,342 crore in 2022-23. The Government aims to further boost toll revenue to ₹1,30,000 crore by 2030. The introduction of FASTag has also resulted in reduced waiting times at toll plazas. In 2014, the average waiting time was 734 seconds, which has now been reduced to 47 seconds. The Minister expressed optimism about bringing it down to 30 seconds in the near future.
Minister Gadkari commended the transformative impact of FASTag on travel experiences in India, eliminating the need for cash transactions and revolutionizing toll payments. According to research, this breakthrough has saved approximately ₹70,000 crore in wasted fuel expenses caused by waiting at toll plazas.
He highlighted the focus on expanding the road highway network in the North East region, with projects worth over ₹2 lakh crore currently underway. Additionally, 670 road-side facilities are being developed to provide a pleasant experience along the National Highways.
The Minister informed about the successful launch of NHAI’s INVIT (Infrastructure Investment Trust) model, which witnessed overwhelming response with seven times oversubscription within the first day of availability on the Mumbai Stock Exchange. Minister Nitin Gadkari urged investors to consider investing in NHAI INVIT, offering an attractive interest rate of 8.05%, surpassing traditional bank rates.
Moreover, Minister Gadkari highlighted NHAI’s achievement of seven world records, demonstrating their commitment to technological advancements and ambition to position India as the second-largest road network globally, after the USA.
Regarding green initiatives, Minister Gadkari stated that NHAI transplanted over 68,000 trees and planted 3.86 crore trees in the past nine years. Additionally, NHAI has developed more than 15,000 Amrit Sarovars (holy ponds) along National Highways, contributing to water rejuvenation initiatives.
The Minister emphasized the Ministry’s proactive approach to waste management and sustainable infrastructure development, citing the utilization of 30 lakh tons of garbage in road construction for the Delhi Ring Road project. Furthermore, he highlighted the introduction of bamboo crash barriers, which provide strength, durability, employment opportunities, and environmental sustainability.
Aligning with the Government’s commitment to a sustainable future, Minister Nitin Gadkari unveiled a vision for increased Electric Vehicle adoption over the next five years, promoting clean energy and reducing carbon emissions.
(With inputs from PIB)