Update on India's Expanding National Highway Network Including Rajasthan and Jharkhand

Expansion of Road Network in India: A Comprehensive Overview

In a recent Lok Sabha session, Shri Narendra Kumar and Shri Vishnu Dayal Ram posed questions to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways about the various schemes and initiatives undertaken to upgrade and expand the road network across the country. In response, Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, provided a detailed account of the ongoing efforts and developments in this sector.

Road Network Upgradation Schemes and Funding

(a) The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is dedicated to the enhancement and maintenance of National Highways (NHs), which form a crucial part of the transportation infrastructure. Currently, the NH network spans approximately 1,46,145 kilometers. The length of NHs across different states and Union Territories is outlined in Annexure-I.

Several schemes have been implemented to bolster the development of NHs nationwide. Notable schemes include the Bharatmala Pariyojana, which encompasses the National Highways Development Project (NHDP), the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North-East Region (SARDP-NE), the Special Programme for Roads in Left Wing Extremism affected Areas (LWE), and Externally Aided Projects (EAP). National Highways not covered by these schemes are addressed under the National Highway Original (NH(O)) works, prioritized based on factors like traffic density, road conditions, and funding availability.

For the fiscal year 2023-24, the budgetary allocation for various schemes is as follows:

Additionally, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is aiming to raise Rs. 25,000 Crore through the monetization of NHs under Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) and Project Based Financing.

Development Execution and Allocation

(b) The development of NHs is undertaken by various executing agencies, including the NHAI, National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), Border Roads Organization (BRO), National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), and State Governments.

Conversion of State Highways to National Highways

(c) The declaration of state roads, including State Highways (SHs), as National Highways (NHs) follows established principles. Criteria for such conversion include roads running across the country, connecting neighboring countries, and linking major ports, industrial centers, tourist spots, and National and State capitals. Additionally, roads with strategic importance, aiding economic growth, or contributing to the National Highways grid are also considered.

Road Upgradation Works in Rajasthan and Jharkhand

(d) Over the last three years, approximately 1,935 km of NH projects have been initiated in Rajasthan. In Jharkhand, inclusive of the Palamu and Garhwa districts, NH projects covering around 970 km have been undertaken during the same period. Notably, out of these, approximately 160 km of NH works have been launched in Palamu and Garhwa districts.

National Highways Construction in Rajasthan and Jharkhand

(e) The last three years have seen significant progress in NH construction in both Rajasthan and Jharkhand. Rajasthan has witnessed the completion of around 2,262 km of NHs, while Jharkhand has accomplished about 900 km. Within Jharkhand, Palamu and Garhwa districts have witnessed the completion of about 45 km of NHs during this period.

NH Length across States and Union Territories:

As the nation continues its journey towards enhanced road connectivity and infrastructure development, these comprehensive efforts and advancements are crucial in ensuring seamless and efficient transportation across the country.