India Surpasses China to Become Second Largest Road Network in the World

India has secured the second position in terms of the world's largest road network, surpassing China. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently held a press conference, highlighting the significant growth of India's road infrastructure during his tenure. 

This article delves into the accomplishments and developments in India's road network, including the construction of expressways, world records set by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the increase in toll revenue.

India's Impressive Road Network Expansion: 

Over the past nine years, India has witnessed remarkable progress in expanding its road network. Adding a staggering 1.45-lakh km of road network since 2014, India has now secured the second spot globally, just behind the United States. This achievement signifies the country's commitment to enhancing its transportation infrastructure.

NHAI's Construction Spree:

Under Nitin Gadkari's leadership, the NHAI has been actively engaged in constructing new national highways and expressways. The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, India's longest ever, is nearing completion. These greenfield expressways have significantly contributed to the expansion and connectivity of India's road network.

Record-Breaking Achievements by NHAI:

The NHAI has set impressive world records, demonstrating its efficiency and dedication. Notably, in May of this year, the NHAI constructed 100 km of expressway within 100 hours, while in August last year, it achieved the Guinness World Record by building a continuous 75 km single bituminous concrete road in a record time of 105 hours and 33 minutes. These accomplishments highlight India's prowess in executing large-scale road infrastructure projects.

Increased Toll Revenue and Usage of FASTags:

Nitin Gadkari emphasized the substantial increase in toll revenue during his tenure. Toll collection has witnessed a remarkable rise, reaching ₹41,342 crore from ₹4,770 crore nine years ago. 

With a vision to further boost toll revenue to ₹1.30 lakh crore, the government aims to augment funding for infrastructure development. Gadkari also highlighted the success of FASTags in reducing congestion at toll plazas, with the average vehicle waiting time now reduced to 47 seconds.

Conclusion:

India's ascent to the second position in the global road network rankings signifies its commitment to bolstering its transportation infrastructure. The accomplishments under Nitin Gadkari's tenure, including the construction of expressways and setting world records, demonstrate India's dedication to improving connectivity and facilitating smoother travel for its citizens. 

The increased toll revenue and implementation of FASTags further contribute to the efficiency of India's road network, marking a promising future for the country's transportation sector.