MoRTH plans major highway and maritime infrastructure development

MoRTH aims to finish key highway and maritime projects by 2025, with a focus on quality, efficiency, and economic development.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) plans to complete highway motorways by 2025, making them an important part of India’s highway system. Over the last decade, MoRTH has built an amazing network of National Highways (NHs) of 56,700 kilometres, significantly expanding the country’s road network. The focus is now on enhancing construction and maintenance quality to provide safer and more efficient travel for road users.

Expansion of national roadway networks

Since 2013-14, the length of national highways has expanded from 91,000 km to 146,000 km, demonstrating MoRTH’s commitment to improving connectivity. However, there have been concerns over the quality of the highways, particularly the Delhi-Jaipur portion (NH-48) and the Amritsar-Jamnagar Economic Corridor. To address these concerns, the ministry has committed to prioritising quality in future projects under the leadership of V Umashankar, the newly appointed Highways Secretary.

Major motorways will boost connectivity

Major motorways, including the Delhi-Mumbai Motorway, Delhi-Dehradun Motorway, and Bangalore-Chennai Motorway, will be finished by 2025. These projects are expected to relieve congestion, speed up travel, and improve the travel experience.

A new approach to highway development

MoRTH is transitioning from a project-based to a corridor-based development approach, providing consistent quality, enhanced logistical efficiency, and greater customer convenience. A comprehensive transport analysis based on GSTN and toll data revealed 50,000 km of high-speed highway corridors, with 4,827 km scheduled to be operational by the end of the fiscal year.

Technology integration and barrier-free toll collection

MoRTH intends to implement a multi-party interoperable system for barrier-free toll collecting, leveraging satellite navigation technology to speed toll transactions and reduce travel delays.

Maritime infrastructure boost

Along with road improvements, the government is making considerable investments in the maritime sector, including the development of Vadhavan Port and extensive enhancements to Kandla, Tuticorin, and Galathea Bay Transshipment Hub. These projects are intended to develop India’s marine capabilities and boost the country’s port and shipping industry.

With an emphasis on quality, transparency, and sustainability, MoRTH’s efforts are intended to revolutionise India’s transport sector, contributing to the country’s economy while strengthening infrastructure for the future.

For more details, visit: https://morth.nic.in/

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