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The Indian government is constructing 25 greenfield expressways covering 10,000 km, at an estimated cost of INR 6 lakh crore, aiming to improve national connectivity. The Zojila Tunnel, which will provide all-weather access to Ladakh, is 75-80% complete. Monetising road projects could generate INR 15 lakh crore for further infrastructure development. Investments in expressways and economic corridors have lowered logistics costs from 16% to 10%, with further reductions expected. The automobile sector has grown from INR 14 lakh crore to INR 22 lakh crore, while clean energy adoption and ethanol production from corn are being promoted to reduce fuel imports and enhance economic sustainability.
The government is advancing the construction of 25 greenfield expressways across India, spanning 10,000 km, with a projected investment of INR 6 lakh crore, Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari stated during the 120th Annual Session of PHDCCI. This extensive infrastructure plan aims to improve national connectivity, support trade, and reduce travel time across key industrial and commercial corridors. Advertisement
Significant progress has been made on the Zojila Tunnel, which is expected to provide all-weather connectivity to the Ladakh region. Around 75-80% of the tunnel construction is complete, which will facilitate smoother transport, strengthen regional development, and ensure accessibility even during harsh winters.
The minister highlighted that monetising road projects could provide INR 15 lakh crore to the highways ministry, creating additional funds for infrastructure expansion. Strategic development of expressways and economic corridors has already helped reduce logistics costs from 16% to 10%, making transportation more efficient and improving India's competitiveness. Gadkari projected that logistics costs could drop further to 9% by the end of the year. For comparison, logistics costs in the US and Europe are around 12%, while in China they range from 8-10%.
Addressing the automobile sector, Gadkari outlined the goal of making India the leading global automobile industry within five years. He noted that when he assumed charge as transport minister, the industry was valued at INR 14 lakh crore, and it has now grown to INR 22 lakh crore. The sector employs 4 lakh youth and contributes the highest GST revenues to the central and state governments. Globally, the US automobile industry is valued at INR 78 lakh crore, followed by China at INR 47 lakh crore, with India now positioned as the third-largest market.
The minister also emphasized the economic and environmental challenges of India's dependence on fossil fuel imports, which cost around INR 22 lakh crore annually. Promoting clean energy adoption is therefore critical for sustainable development and reducing economic vulnerability.
Gadkari further stressed the importance of agriculture in driving GDP growth. Farmers have earned an additional INR 45,000 crore through ethanol production from corn, showcasing the potential of innovative and value-added agricultural practices. He also highlighted that air pollution in Delhi continues to be a serious concern and must be addressed as a priority to protect public health and urban livability.
Source PTI
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