Government to develop 15,000 km of NH at INR 1.9 lakh cr

The government plans to develop 15,000 kilometer (km) of National Highways (NH) at an estimated cost of INR 1,90,000 crore to improve connectivity with far-flung areas, including major tourism centres.

The Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Pon Radhakrishnan, said the government has undertaken detailed review of the NH network with a view to improve connectivity in border areas, including coastal boundaries, major cities of tourism, pilgrimage, minor ports and under-developed areas.

He said this would cover about 15,000 kilometer (km) of NHs at an estimated cost of INR 1,90,000 crore.

The government has already rolled out projects worth USD &93 billion, including the USD 45-billion flagship road building programme by NHDP, projecting the country’s highways sector as a unique opportunity for investments.

India has the world’s second-largest road network at 4.80 m km. NHs comprise 2% of the total road network carrying 40% of total traffic, 65% of freight and 80% of passenger traffic, it is learnt.

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Source: http://transreporter.com/logisticsnews/29067/Govt.-to-develop-15%2C000-km-of-NH-at-INR-1.9-cr/