25,000 km of highway to be widened to four lanes for Rs. 10,00,000 crore (US$ 117 billion): Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari

India is planning to upgrade 25,000 km of two-lane highways to four lanes at Rs. 10,00,000 crore (US$ 117 billion), according to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari. Additionally, 16,000 km of four-lane highways will be expanded to six lanes for Rs. 6,00,000 crore (US$ 69.93 billion). The detailed project reports (DPRs) for these projects are being prepared, and the work is expected to start within two years. The government aims to reduce road accidents significantly through these upgrades. He had previously stated that India sees 4.5 lakh accidents annually, leading to 1.88 lakh deaths, predominantly of people under 45 years old. He also highlighted that road accidents cost the country 3% of its GDP annually and set a target to reduce road mishaps by 50% by 2030. 

The government has prioritised highway development, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, the northeastern states, and hilly regions like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Road construction worth Rs. 2,00,000 crore (US$ 23.31 billion) is underway in J&K, including constructing 105 tunnels. The government is also building the Zojila tunnel, Asia's longest sub-zero temperature tunnel, which is estimated to cost around Rs. 6,000 crore (US$ 699 million). He invited MPs to visit the Zojila tunnel to witness its engineering marvel. Work on the Jammu-Srinagar highway is also in progress, with 36 tunnels planned, of which 12 have been completed. Once finished, the travel time between Jammu and Srinagar will be reduced to three to a half hours from the current seven hours. Additionally, work on the expressway between Delhi and Leh is ongoing, which will halve the travel time from the present 12 hours upon completion. 

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.