The pace of highway construction and expansion in India touched an all time high in the last financial year, counting to a total of 10,800 kms, as per a new report. If we were to calculate the per day construction of highways with this number, nearly 30 kms of highway roads were built per day throughout 2018-19.
The TOI report mentions that the maximum length of highway construction has been noted in the home state of highway minister, Nitin Gadkari. In the fiscal year 18-19, Maharashtra alone built around 2,100 kms of highway roads.
This is being deemed as the highest rate of highway construction in the country to date. Out of the total length of construction, NHAI alone was responsible for 3,338 kms in the last year, about 10% more than its total last year. State PWDs are further responsible for executing such construction orders from the highway ministry and road transport. Four laning of existing highways, however, is majorly done by NHAI.
Labourers work at the construction site of the Delhi-Jaipur national highway in Manesar in the northern state of Haryana, India. (Image: Reuters)
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A data comparison shows that while the total stretch of highway development has revolved around 5,000 kms on an average since 2009-10, the number has dramatically increased in the last four years, and for the first time ever now, has crossed the 10,000 mark.
The figures mention the overall ¡°highway development¡± in India, which mostly includes expansion of existing roads, while a small portion indicates the laying of new ones.