New Delhi: The total length of national highways in India increased by about 59 percent in the past nine years since the current government came into power, said Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, and noted, as a result of this expansion, the country now has the second largest road network after the US.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, Gadkari said that the total length of the National Highways was 91,287 km in 2013–14, and it has now risen to 145,240 km in 2022–23. Furthermore, he highlighted that the length of four-lane highways has nearly doubled during this period, increasing from 18,371 km in 2013–14 to 44,654 km at present.
During the conference, Minister Gadkari also shed light on the transformative impact of FASTag on travel experiences within India. He emphasised that this innovation has revolutionised toll payments by eliminating the need for cash transactions, ultimately resulting in substantial savings. Citing research, Gadkari estimated that approximately Rs. 70,000 crore in wasted fuel expenses have been saved through the adoption of FASTag.
Regarding infrastructure development in the northeast region, Gadkari highlighted the government’s special focus on expanding the road and highway network in the far eastern region. Projects worth more than Rs. 2 lakh crore are currently underway in this area, demonstrating the government’s commitment to the region’s progress. On green initiatives taken by the government, the minister pointed out that his ministry has utilised 30 lakh tonnes of garbage in road construction for the Delhi Ring Road project, demonstrating a proactive approach towards waste management and sustainable infrastructure development.
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