The National Highway System in India Has Grown to 1,46,195 Kilometres.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has expanded India’s National Highway (NH) network to approximately 1,46,195 km. Various schemes have been implemented for NH development, including the Bharatmala Pariyojana (subsuming the NHDP), the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North-East Region (SARDP-NE), the Left Wing Extremism-affected Area Development Programme, and Externally Aided Projects (EAP).

For NH stretches not covered under these schemes, development is undertaken under the National Highway Original (NH(O)) works, based on factors like traffic density, road conditions, priority, and fund availability.

In the last five years, works for around 53,600 km of NHs have been awarded, including 2,085 km in Gujarat. Additionally, 56,700 km of NHs have been constructed nationwide, with 2,182 km completed in Gujarat.

India’s National Highway (NH) network has experienced substantial growth over the past decade, expanding from approximately 91,287 kilometers in 2014 to 1,46,145 kilometers by 2023, marking an increase of nearly 60%.

Historical Context and Expansion

The NH network serves as the backbone of India’s road transportation system, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers across the country. In 2014, the network spanned about 91,287 kilometers. Over the subsequent years, concerted efforts by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and its implementing agencies have led to a significant expansion, reaching 1,46,145 kilometers by 2023.

Factors Contributing to Growth

Several key initiatives have contributed to this expansion:

• National Highways Development Project (NHDP): This program focused on upgrading, rehabilitating, and widening major highways to international standards, enhancing connectivity between major cities and ports.
• Bharatmala Pariyojana: Launched to optimize the efficiency of freight and passenger movement across the country.
• by bridging critical infrastructure gaps through the development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors, and Feeder Routes.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): The government has actively engaged private players in the development and maintenance of highways, leveraging private investment to accelerate infrastructure development.

State-wise Distribution

The expansion of the NH network has been distributed across various states to improve regional connectivity. For instance, Maharashtra’s NH length increased from 4,176 kilometers in 2005 to 18,459 kilometers in 2023, reflecting a nearly 340% increase. Other states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh have also seen significant enhancements in their highway networks.

Impact on Transportation and Economy

The augmentation of the NH network has had several positive implications:

• Improved Connectivity: Enhanced road infrastructure has reduced travel times between cities, facilitating smoother movement of goods and people.
• Economic Growth: Better highways have stimulated trade and commerce, contributing to regional and national economic development.
• Safety Enhancements: Upgraded highways with better design and safety features have contributed to a reduction in road accidents.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the impressive growth, challenges such as land acquisition issues, environmental concerns, and the need for maintenance of existing infrastructure persist. The government continues to focus on overcoming these hurdles through policy reforms and increased investment.

Looking ahead, the government aims to further expand the NH network, with plans to increase the total length to 200,000 kilometers. This ambitious target underscores the ongoing commitment to developing world-class road infrastructure in India.

In conclusion, the significant growth of India’s National Highway system reflects the country’s dedication to enhancing its transportation infrastructure, which is vital for economic development and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

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