Motorists can soon pick low-toll routes with new NHAI app feature
Live Events
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
The National Highways Authority of India NHAI ) will introduce a new feature on its Rajmargyatra app next month that will allow motorists to choose routes with the least toll between two destinations, PTI reported citing a senior government official.The Rajmargyatra app, developed to offer detailed information on national highways, already provides features such as live traffic updates and a grievance redressal mechanism. The upcoming update will help users make informed decisions based on toll costs.Amrit Singha, Chief Product Officer for Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) at Indian Highways Management Company Ltd (IHMCL), said the new feature would prove especially helpful in cities with multiple route options.'You can travel to Lucknow from Delhi via Yamuna Expressway, or travel by crossing Ghaziabad-Aligarh-Kanpur-Lucknow or Moradabad-Bareilly-Sitapur-Lucknow... The app will inform motorists about the route which will attract least amount of toll between Delhi and Lucknow,' Singha explained.Singha also flagged safety concerns related to the misuse of access-controlled expressways by unauthorised vehicles. Citing data from NHAI's Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), he said a large number of violations were being recorded, particularly on the Delhi-Gurgaon and Dwarka expressways.'Between June 21 and June 23 alone, 1.73 lakh violations were recorded. More than one lakh of these were related to banned vehicles, including two and three-wheelers,' he said.In another development, NHAI is set to open a key stretch connecting Bandikui to Jaipur via the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway . The 67-km four-lane access-controlled spur is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and Jaipur.NHAI Rajasthan Regional Officer Pradeep Atri said the Bandikui-Jaipur stretch, built at a cost of ₹1,368 crore, will likely open for traffic trials by mid-July.Pushpendra Singh, Manager at NHAI, said the road was constructed in about two and a half years and is designed to divert a large share of traffic from the existing Delhi-Jaipur highway.At present, it takes around four hours to drive from Delhi to Jaipur, about 2.5 hours to reach Bandikui via the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and another 1.5 hours to cover the remaining 67 km. With the new spur operational, the total travel time could be reduced to roughly three hours.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Modern technology and enhanced surveillance across national highways for curtailing road safety violations
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will implement advanced traffic management system (ATMS) with real-time tracking of safety violations and simultaneous issuance of challans for enhancing surveillance and road safety across all national highways with four or more lanes totalling 30,000 km in the next 2-3 years, according to senior officials of NHAI. The ATMS installation on a stretch of 56.46 km of Dwarka Expressway in the national capital region has been concluded, senior NHA officials told a group of journalists during a visit organised to the command and control centre of the Dwarka project. This stretch is the maiden project to be executed under the revised policy for ATMS brought out in October 2023 that enhances enforcement across 14 categories of violations such as triple riding, helmet and seatbelt violations, wrong lane or direction driving, presence of animals on the highway, and pedestrian crossings.. 'The focus of the new policy is to incorporate enforcement in addition to surveillance and integrate the police department so that challans can be issued. Earlier the end-user was NHAI, now it is the enforcement agencies,' explained one NHAI official who didn't want to be quoted. The new policy allows local police to generate e-challans through an API [Application Programming Interface]-based system that enables software applications to talk to each other. 'A specific incident about a road safety violation is created at our centre. Subsequently, the National Informatics Centre, which is the technology partner of the Central government, pushes this information to the police department and a challan is generated,' the above quoted official elaborated. On June 26, IHMCL also wrote to Delhi Police to start issuing challans based on the ATMS installed on Dwarka Expressway. The ATMS system ensures the highways are enabled with technology for 'real-time intelligence and incident management and analytics,' according to a handout from the IHMCL. Implementation of the ATMS system is already underway for other projects, which include Delhi-Agra Expressway, Lucknow Ring Road and the upcoming third ring road for New Delhi, the Urban Extension Road 2 (UER-2). A stretch of 20,000 kms was equipped with an older ATMS prior to the 2023 guidelines. At Dwarka Expressway, the ATMS system is supported by 110 pan-tilt-zoom cameras with each camera at every 1 km for real time monitoring that are also equipped with basic AI intelligence to detect accidents and breakdowns. There are also 15 Video Incident Detection and Enforcement Systems (VIDES) or a system of cameras installed on gantries with each such system deployed at a distance of 10 km which is capable of detecting 14 kinds of violations with high level of accuracy and is further connected to NIC and police departments. VIDES also allows vehicle counting and classification for monitoring traffic data. There are also six Vehicle Acutated Speed Display on LED screens at intervals of 20 km that use radar based detection to warn road users if they are nearing the upper speed limit and serves as a speed calming measure. Ten variable messaging sign boards or screens have also been installed for real-time updates to road users on traffic conditions, diversions, weather, and incidents to improve driver awareness.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
India's macroeconomic variables to remain stable in FY26, consumption growth to pick up: ITC
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel India's macroeconomic variables are expected to remain stable in FY26, with GDP growth staying around 6.5 per cent, said multi-conglomerate ITC in its latest annual ITC also expects an uptick in the consumption growth helped by continued rural recovery along with improvement in urban demand which was subdued due to high inflation."Consumption expenditure is expected to pick up progressively led by continued recovery in rural demand backed by a good monsoon, along with improvement in urban demand as inflation stabilises and tax cuts announced in the Union Budget boost disposable incomes," said the cumulative impact of pick up in capex in the second half of FY25 and increase in capex outlay by the government announced in the budget, along with interest rate cuts and liquid support from RBI, would also be supportive of growth, it said."The Indian economy is poised to grow rapidly in the years ahead driven by structural factors such as a favourable demographic profile, increasing affluence, rapid urbanisation, accelerated digital adoption and the entrepreneurial spirit of its people," it thrust on strengthening country's physical and digital public infrastructure, focus on enhancing the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector, indirect/direct taxation and financial sector reforms, along with measures to promote ease of doing business, are expected to power the economy going forward."India continues to remain the fastest growing large economy in the world - a relatively bright spot amidst the challenging global operating environment," said the pace of growth, moderated from 9.2 per cent in FY24 to 6.5 per cent in also raised concerns over food inflation, which witnessed a 'sharp uptick' and impacted the consumption growth in the FMCG sector, which is the second largest business of ITC after cigarettes."The impact of inflationary pressures on household savings weighed on consumption expenditure, particularly in urban markets; however, demand in rural markets was relatively resilient. The weakness in consumption was reflected, inter alia, in the muted volume growth of the FMCG sector," it saidFood inflation was 7.3 per cent in FY25, while headline inflation (CPI) remained within the RBI's target range at 4.6 per also said structural support would need to be provided to sectors with potential for large economic-multiplier this regard, the development of robust domestic agri and wood-based value chains hold special importance in the Indian context, given their enormous potential to contribute to national to ITC, enhancing agricultural productivity and value addition to international standards, improving market linkages are important to enhance competitiveness of the agri sector and drive significant increase in farmers' is amongst the leading producers in the world of several agri-commodities, including milk, rice, wheat, sugarcane, cotton, pulses, spices and fruits & vegetables, however, its share of global agri-trade remains low at only about 3 per cent.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
India gets to test Bangladesh's nerve when they wanted desi chicken neck
India's decision to seek changes to the 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty marks a watershed moment in South Asian geopolitics. With the treaty's renewal looming in 2026, New Delhi is signalling not just a recalibration of water-sharing priorities but also a deliberate test of Bangladesh's diplomatic mettle, especially at a time when Dhaka appears to be drifting strategically towards Beijing and Islamabad. A treaty under strain Signed during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's first term, the 1996 treaty brought a measure of stability to India-Bangladesh ties by setting clear guidelines for sharing the Ganga's waters during the dry season. It provided for alternating 10-day blocks from 11 March to 11 May, giving both countries 35,000 cusecs of water. For flows below 70,000 cusecs, the share was 50:50. When flows touched 70,000 to 75,000 cusecs, Bangladesh received 35,000. For anything above that, India took 40,000 and Bangladesh the rest. But that delicate balance is now under threat. According an Economic Times report, India is seeking an additional 30,000 to 35,000 cusecs during the same period to meet its own rising needs for irrigation, maintaining Kolkata Port, and powering hydroelectric projects. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo Officials quoted by The New Indian Express said New Delhi is not inclined to extend the treaty as is. Instead, India is pushing for a shorter-term agreement, ten to fifteen years instead of thirty, to allow room for periodic revisions. 'Before Pahalgam, we were inclined to extend the treaty for another thirty years, but the situation changed drastically afterwards,' said a senior official at the Ministry of External Affairs to The New Indian Express. Live Events Water, power and precedent Bangladesh's vulnerabilities are stark. As a low-lying delta nation, it depends heavily on river systems flowing in from India. The World Bank estimates that agriculture contributes over 11 percent to its GDP and employs nearly 35 percent of its workforce. About 60.5 percent of its land is arable, leaving little scope for agricultural expansion. Bangladesh is effectively 'maxed out' on its agricultural footprint. This, therefore, amplifies dependence on efficient water-sharing frameworks. The result: a deep reliance on predictable water flows. The Ganga and Teesta rivers are lifelines, and any uncertainty over flows is a threat not just to farmers, but to food security and the broader economy. India's posture echoes its recent moves with Pakistan. Following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a pact that had endured since 1960. Coupled with Operation Sindoor, trade suspension, and the stalling of legal processes around the Kishanganga and Ratle hydropower projects, the message is clear: water is no longer off the table as a means of strategic deterrence. Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently confirmed to The Times of India that the Indus treaty will not be restored. This shift has unnerved Dhaka. 'With the Ganga Treaty up for renewal next year, India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty could cast doubts on its commitment to water-sharing with Bangladesh,' water expert Nutan Manmohan told The Sunday Guardian. Uttam Sinha of the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, speaking to The Sunday Guardian, warned: 'While India has traditionally respected water-sharing arrangements with its lower riparian neighbours... the success of future negotiations will largely depend on the prevailing political climate.' The chicken neck irony For years, India's strategic unease has centred around the Siliguri Corridor, the narrow strip linking its mainland to the northeast. Often dubbed India's 'chicken neck', this corridor has been portrayed by some in Dhaka, including Bangladesh's interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, as a point of leverage. Yunus, during his four-day visit to Beijing, stirred controversy by referring to the region as 'landlocked' and Bangladesh as its 'only guardian of the ocean'. 'The seven states of India, the eastern part of India, are called the seven have no way to reach out to the ocean. For Bangladesh, as the only guardian of the ocean in the region, this could be a huge opportunity and an extension of the Chinese economy,' Yunus said, suggesting Bangladesh could act as a conduit for China into India's east. 'From Bangladesh, you can go anywhere you want. The ocean is our backyard,' Yunus declared. Now, the tables have turned. India controls water flow at the Farakka Barrage, just 10 km from the Bangladesh border. Dhaka baited New Delhi with its so-called maritime leverage; India is now returning the favour with its hydrological leverage. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma underlined Bangladesh's own vulnerabilities. 'First is the 80-kilometre North Bangladesh Corridor... Any disruption here can isolate Rangpur division. Second is the 28-kilometre Chittagong Corridor... the only direct link between Bangladesh's economic and political capitals,' Sarma posted on X. 'Bangladesh, like India, is embedded with two 'chicken necks'. I am only presenting geographical facts that some may tend to forget.' Transshipment fallout Further complicating matters is the political upheaval in Dhaka. Sheikh Hasina, long viewed as a reliable partner by Delhi, was ousted in mid-2024 after nearly two decades in power. Her replacement, Muhammad Yunus, who became the chief adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, has shifted the country's foreign policy posture, drawing it closer to China and Pakistan. On April 8 2025, India revoked Bangladesh's access to a key transshipment arrangement that had existed since 2020. The move effectively dismantled a key logistical arrangement that had been in place since June 2020, when India allowed Bangladeshi exporters to use its Land Customs Stations (LCSs) to move cargo to third countries such as Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar via Indian ports and airports. Designed to lower logistics costs and boost export efficiency, particularly for Bangladesh's critical ready-made garments (RMG) industry, the arrangement had enabled Dhaka to piggyback on India's infrastructure for greater global market access. However, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) circular issued on April 8 rescinded this facilitation. While India's Ministry of External Affairs clarified that the move 'does not impact Bangladesh exports to Nepal or Bhutan transiting through Indian territory', the decision nonetheless disrupts a major trade lifeline for Dhaka. The fallout is immediate: increased shipping costs, longer delivery timelines, and reduced competitiveness, especially for air cargo routed through key hubs like Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. According to The Daily Star, for Bangladesh, which reported record exports of $50 billion in 2024, driven by an 8.3 percent annual growth in the RMG sector, a 10.44 percent rise in leather exports ($577.29 million), and a 16.32 percent jump in cotton-related goods ($319.06 million), the loss of transshipment privileges threatens to undercut hard-won gains in global trade. The China factor Dhaka's embrace of China is evident. During his visit to China, Yunus signed agreements on hydrological data-sharing for the Yarlung Zangbo–Jamuna (Brahmaputra) river system and launched FTA discussions. According to a joint statement released after official talks, Dhaka and Beijing also agreed to initiate discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) 'at an early date', signalling a potential economic alignment that could reshape regional trade dynamics. Talks were even held at the foreign secretary level between Pakistan and Bangladesh, an event nearly unthinkable a few years ago. A Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) was held in Dhaka, with Pakistan's Foreign Secretary, Amna Baloch, participating. Additionally, a trilateral meeting between Bangladesh, Pakistan and China was held on 19 June, further highlighting the efforts to foster regional cooperation. Of particular concern to India is the revival of the World War II-era Lalmonirhat air base, located 12 to 20 km from the Indian border and around 100 km from the Siliguri Corridor. According to The New Indian Express, Indian intelligence agencies view the development as a 'grey zone threat', citing its potential dual-use for both civilian and military purposes, including surveillance and logistics operations that could directly compromise India's strategic 'chicken neck'. Further escalating concerns, The Economic Times reports that Chinese officials have visited the Lalmonirhat site, fuelling speculation about Beijing's involvement in the base's potential redevelopment, an alarming prospect given its proximity to one of India's most sensitive and vital corridors. The persistent Teesta problem The Teesta River, which flows through both countries, remains a longstanding dispute. Only 121 km of its 414-km stretch lies in Bangladesh, yet it is the fourth-largest river for the country and vital for dry-season irrigation in the north. In 2011, a near-final agreement was stalled due to opposition from West Bengal's government. That vacuum gave China an opportunity to step in. As per The New Indian Express, China has committed USD 2.1 billion in loans, investments and grants to Bangladesh, with the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) standing as a focal point in the bilateral relationship. India fears long-term infrastructure and intelligence encroachments in the sensitive north. The road ahead According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers. Article XII of the Ganga Treaty states it is 'renewable on the basis of mutual consent'. That clause has become India's pressure point. Whether India walks away entirely or simply rewrites it, the outcome will reflect how far Dhaka has drifted and how willing India is to assert control. India, as the upper riparian, holds the cards. Bangladesh, facing political flux and strategic overreach, is struggling to defend its interests. Water may be a shared resource, but in South Asia today, it is increasingly a solitary advantage for those who control its source.
