India Surpasses China to claim the position of the second nation boasting the most extensive road network worldwide. As stated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. As of March 2023, India’s road network spanned an impressive 63,72,613 kilometres, surpassing China’s extensive network of 63,600,000 kilometres. The United States continues to hold the top spot. With a massive total of 6.58 million kilometres constituting its road network.
In recent years, the Indian government has made substantial investments in the realm of road construction. During the 2022-23 financial year, an impressive ₹1.45 trillion (US$18.7 billion) was allocated by the government for road construction and maintenance. This significant investment has played a pivotal role in expanding India’s road network. Enhancing the overall quality of roads across the nation.
The expansion of India’s road network is expected to fuel economic growth and facilitate better connectivity. Furthermore, it will contribute to the improvement of transportation efficiency and a reduction in pollution levels. With the government’s ambitious target of constructing 100 kilometres of roads each day by 2024, these developments are poised to transform the transportation landscape in India.
Nitin Gadkari, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways, has confidently stated that India is on track to become the world’s largest road network by 2025. He has further emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to providing high-quality roads accessible to all citizens of India.
The expansion of India’s road network stands as a momentous achievement for the government, signifying the remarkable economic progress of the country. It also represents a significant advantage for businesses and consumers, who will reap the benefits of enhanced transportation infrastructure.
Outlined below are key contributing factors that have propelled India’s road network to surpass that of China:
- Increased government expenditure: Over the past years, the Indian government has substantially escalated its spending on road construction. In the 2022-23 financial year alone, a staggering ₹1.45 trillion (US$18.7 billion) was allocated for this purpose. This investment has been instrumental in expanding the country’s road network and elevating the overall road quality nationwide.
- Public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives: The Indian government has proactively promoted public-private partnership (PPP) projects in the realm of road construction. Such collaborations allow the government to leverage the expertise and capital of the private sector, thereby expediting the construction process and maximizing efficiency.
- Technological advancements: India has harnessed technological progress to accelerate the pace of road development. Notably, the utilization of prefabricated concrete slabs has significantly reduced the time required for road construction.
- Enhanced planning and coordination: The Indian government has undertaken measures to enhance planning and coordination in road projects. This concerted effort has resulted in the timely completion of projects within the allocated budget.
The expansion of India’s road network stands as a significant catalyst for the nation’s economy and connectivity. It exemplifies the government’s resolute dedication to improving the quality of life for its citizens.