India is set to upgrade 25,000 km of two-lane highways into four-lane highways at a cost of ₹10 lakh crore. This ambitious project aims to reduce road accidents and improve connectivity. Additionally, 16,000 km of National Highways will be expanded to six lanes for ₹6 lakh crore.
Road Safety and Economic Impact
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized that reducing road accidents is a top priority. India records 4,80,000 accidents annually, causing 1,88,000 deaths, mostly among people aged 18 to 45. Road accidents also cost the country 3% of its GDP each year. The government aims to cut road mishaps by 50% by 2030.
Focus on Jammu & Kashmir and Hilly Regions
The Modi government is prioritizing highway development in Jammu & Kashmir, northeastern states, and hilly regions like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Projects worth ₹2 lakh crore are underway in J&K, including 105 tunnels to improve travel ease.
Zojila Tunnel: An Engineering Marvel
The Zojila Tunnel, Asia’s longest tunnel in a sub-zero zone, is under construction. Initially estimated to cost ₹12,000 crore, it will now be completed for ₹5,500 crore. The project aims to improve all-weather connectivity in the region.
Faster Travel on Key Routes
The Jammu-Srinagar Highway is being upgraded with 36 tunnels, 22 of which are complete. Once finished, travel time between Jammu and Srinagar will be reduced from seven hours to just three to three and a half hours. Similarly, work on the Delhi-Katra expressway is in progress, aiming to cut travel time from 12 hours to six.
