The Indian road transport ministry has proposed a National Highway Development Programme, aiming to build and widen approximately 41,000 km of national highways, including 15,000 km of high-speed corridors, by 2031-32. This ambitious plan requires an investment of Rs 19.5 lakh crore. The proposed master plan's first phase projects are set to be bid out by 2028-29, with completion slated for 2031-32. The initiative aims to almost double the average travel speed on national highways from 47 kmph to 85 kmph, enhancing logistics efficiency and reducing costs to 9-10% of GDP. Currently, logistics costs in India are around 18% of GDP.
The Indian road transport ministry has unveiled an ambitious National Highway Development Programme, proposing the construction and widening of approximately 41,000 km of national highways by 2031-32, with a significant focus on creating 15,000 km of high-speed, access-controlled corridors. This extensive plan is projected to necessitate a substantial investment of Rs 19.5 lakh crore. The proposed master plan's initial phase aims to initiate projects by 2028-29, with completion scheduled by 2031-32. The program targets a nearly twofold increase in the average travel speed on national highways, raising it from the current 47 kmph to 85 kmph. This acceleration aligns with the government's strategic objective to reduce logistics costs to 9-10% of the GDP, a notable decline from the current 18%.
The proposed high-speed corridors, strategically positioned within 100-150 km from any part of India, aim to alleviate congestion on national highways around cities and urban areas. The ministry's assessment underscores the long-term need for approximately 50,000 km of high-speed corridors. Currently, only 3,900 km of such corridors are operational in the country, and this is anticipated to rise to about 11,000 km by 2026-27.
Recognizing this significant gap, the proposal identifies new high-speed corridors spanning 36,500 km, emphasizing a pivotal focus on constructing four and six-lane highways in the next two decades.
This transformative initiative extends beyond mere infrastructure development, as the government envisions a substantial enhancement in average travel speeds comparable to global standards, surpassing 100 kmph on American highways and 90 kmph in China. The strategic plan not only prioritizes speed but also addresses logistical efficiency, aligning with the government's overarching goal of optimizing the logistics cost-to-GDP ratio.
In addition to outlining the comprehensive proposal, the report highlights the imminent bid-out timeline for the first phase projects, creating a structured roadmap for the expansive highway development plan. The identification of key high-speed corridors and the expected operational milestones offer a clear trajectory for the project's phased implementation.
As India propels itself into a new era of transportation infrastructure, the focus on high-speed corridors and the goal to double average travel speeds underscore the government's commitment to ushering in a more efficient, interconnected, and globally competitive highway network. The strategic approach to address congestion, enhance speed, and promote economic efficiency positions this initiative as a cornerstone for India's future transportation landscape.
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