The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has set an ambitious target of constructing 13,813 km of national highways in the current financial year, which would be a record achievement for the ministry. The MoRTH Secretary Anurag Jain announced this target on February 2, 2024, while addressing a press conference in New Delhi. He also said that the ministry aims to eliminate less than two-lane national highways by 2027-28.
Why is this target important?
The target of constructing 13,813 km of national highways in FY24 is important for several reasons. First, it would boost the infrastructure development and connectivity in the country, which are essential for economic growth and social welfare. Second, it would create employment opportunities and generate demand for various sectors such as cement, steel, construction equipment, etc. Third, it would improve the safety and efficiency of road transport, which is the dominant mode of transportation in India.
How will this target be achieved?
The MoRTH Secretary said that the ministry has taken several steps to achieve this target. Some of these steps are:
- Streamlining the land acquisition and environmental clearance processes
- Adopting innovative financing models such as hybrid annuity model (HAM), toll-operate-transfer (TOT), monetisation of completed projects, etc.
- Enhancing the capacity and quality of contractors and consultants
- Leveraging technology and digital platforms for project management and monitoring
- Promoting green and sustainable practices such as use of waste materials, solar power, etc.
What are the challenges and risks?
The MoRTH Secretary acknowledged that there are some challenges and risks involved in achieving this target. Some of these are:
- The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the availability of labour, materials and funds
- The uncertainty and volatility in the global and domestic markets
- The coordination and cooperation among various stakeholders such as state governments, local authorities, land owners, etc.
- The legal and regulatory hurdles and disputes that may arise during project implementation
- The climatic and geological factors that may affect the construction activities
What are the expected outcomes and benefits?
The MoRTH Secretary expressed confidence that achieving this target would have positive outcomes and benefits for the country. Some of these are:
- The enhancement of road network and connectivity across the country
- The improvement of mobility and accessibility for people and goods
- The reduction of travel time and cost for commuters and transporters
- The increase of economic activity and productivity for various sectors
- The creation of social value and public good for the society.