In the fiscal year 2023-24, India made considerable progress in highway construction, with 12,349 kilometres completed, the second-highest achievement in history. A deliberate focus on lane augmentation projects drove the construction pace, which increased by 20% from the previous fiscal year. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) played an important part, contributing 6,644 kilometres to the whole effort. Despite narrowly missing the target 13,814 kilometres, the achievement highlights India's dedication to improving its infrastructure and transportation network, with a heavy emphasis on expressway expansion.
In fiscal year 2023-24, India made considerable progress in highway construction, with a total of 12,349 kilometres built, the second-highest achievement in history. Despite this great performance, the objective of 13,814 kilometres was nearly missed, highlighting the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' (MoRTH) ambitious goal. This accomplishment represents a 20% increase over the previous fiscal year, indicating significant growth in the nation's infrastructure development initiatives.
The increase in highway construction activity was driven by a strategic concentration on lane augmentation projects, which accounted for 9,642 kilometres of total highway development. Furthermore, 2,707 kilometres were allocated to strengthening projects, demonstrating a multifaceted approach to infrastructure development across the country.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was instrumental in the entire construction operations, donating 6,644 kilometres, with additional contributions from agencies such as the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation and MoRTH's roads wing.
While the achievement falls short of expectations, it highlights the substantial progress made in improving India's highway network. Notably, the construction momentum in FY24 was influenced by favourable conditions resulting from lower traffic during COVID-19-related lockdowns.
The awarding of new highway projects increased significantly, notably in the final quarter of the fiscal year, with a total of 8,551 kilometres of new highways awarded over the year. Although this statistic fell somewhat short of the aim of 10,000 kilometres, it demonstrates a proactive commitment to launching important infrastructure projects across the country.
A notable highlight of FY24 was the efficient use of allotted capital expenditure, with MoRTH spending 99.98% of the revised budget of INR 72.64 trillion. This achievement demonstrates the ministry's smart fiscal management and commitment to maximising infrastructure development with available resources.
The ministry has set high goals for the fiscal year 2024-25, seeking to fully utilise the INR 72.72 trillion budgeted for capital investment. This promise demonstrates a continuous commitment to growing and improving the nation's highway network, with a strategic emphasis on creating access-controlled expressways.
The ministry's overarching Vision 2047 presents a comprehensive roadmap for highway development, broken down into five-year action plans. A main goal of this strategy is to build 50,000 kilometres of functional expressways across India, drastically changing the country's transportation landscape.
Currently, India has 4,000 kilometres of active expressways, with another 6,000 kilometres under development and expected to be completed by 2037. The extensive network of expressways has been methodically built to assure accessibility, with no region in India more than 125 kilometres from this important infrastructure.
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