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United News of India
a day ago
- Business
- United News of India
NHs network is now second-largest road network in the world: Harsh Malhotra
New Delhi, July 18 (UNI) Minister of State for Transport & Highways Harsh Malhotra today said that India's national highways network has expanded significantly from 91,000 km in 2014 to over 1.46 lakh km today, making it the second-largest road network in the world. Addressing the Road and Highways Summit here, Malhotra emphasised that these modern highways are not just roads they are lifelines of progress, connecting people, industries and opportunities, an official statement said. "By expanding the network, the government has redefined the very experience of travel -- making it faster, safer and significantly more comfortable for every citizen," he said. He said that the government's spending on road infrastructure has increased 6.4 times between 2013–14 and 2024–25, with a 57 per cent rise in the budget allocation for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This, he said reflects the government's unwavering commitment to connectivity, mobility and economic growth. The Minister also stated that in recent years road infrastructure has created 45 crore man-days of direct employment, 57 crore man-days of indirect employment and 532 crore man-days of induced employment which demonstrates the substantial impact of infrastructure projects on job creation across various sectors. Malhotra also stated that more than 10,000 km of National Highways constructed in North Eastern Region during the past decade, which demonstrates the government's commitment to the region. He also highlighted the Delhi Decongestion Plan, which aims to reduce the traffic congestion and pollution in the city and would improve connectivity in the city. The plan includes extension of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway (NE-5) from KMPE till UER-II (NH-344M) in Delhi and Haryana, Extension of UER-II (NH-344M) near Alipur till Delhi-Dehradun Expressway (NH-709B) near Tronica City in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, construction of a road tunnel starting from Dwarka Expressway (near Shiv Murti Mahipalpur) to Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj. He said the the Ministry is in process of developing 700+ Wayside Amenities (WSAs) by 2028-29 that offer clean restrooms, quality food, rest areas, fuel stations, and EV charging points. Stating that the Ministry was according top priority to the road safety said, "14000 accident prone blackspots have been rectified. Minister also applauded the successful implementation of schemes like the good samaritan scheme and the cashless golden hour scheme". The Minister further stated that with initiatives like the Green Highways Policy and 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', the Ministry has planted over 4.78 crore trees and transplanted around 70,000 trees along national highways. He said that the Ministry has also adopted sustainable construction practices including the use of over 80 lakh tonnes of plastic waste in major projects such as UER-II and the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway. Additionally, fly ash from thermal power plants is being incorporated into highway construction, reducing the need for raw materials and lowering emissions. "The construction of more highways is pivotal to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Every rupee invested in highway development yields a threefold return to the GDP, unlocks vast employment opportunities and opens multiple channels for revenue generation and the government is not just building roads— it is laying the foundation for a prosperous, peaceful, and resilient Bharat," he added. UNI RBE PRS
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
NHAI's sustainability push: Greenhouse gas emissions dip, even as highway construction picks up pace
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) took a step towards sustainable development, announcing that its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity has been reduced to 0.8 MTCO₂e per kilometre from 1.0 MTCO2e/km. This drop comes even as national highway construction rose by 20% in FY 2023–24, the agency said in its latest Sustainability Report. The comprehensive 2023–24 report outlines NHAI's approach to embedding environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles across its operations. A key highlight was the Authority's progress towards a circular economy. More than 631 lakh metric tonnes of recycled materials, including fly ash, plastic waste and reclaimed asphalt, were used in highway construction during the year. 'In addition to this, NHAI continued to undertake nationwide tree plantation drives along the national highways,' the report noted, cited by ET. In FY 2023-24, over 56 lakh saplings were planted, followed by 67.47 lakh in FY 2024–25, taking the total to over 4.69 crore trees since the launch of the Green Highways Policy in 2015. The initiative, NHAI said, has contributed to the creation of significant carbon sinks and improved environmental sustainability along key road corridors. NHAI also reported the development of 467 water bodies under the Amrit Sarovar Mission. These efforts have not only revived local water sources but also yielded nearly 2.4 crore cubic metres of soil for use in highway projects, resulting in estimated savings of around Rs 16,690 crore. Additionally, water use intensity dropped by 74% in water-stressed regions compared to previous years, ET quoted. On the human resources front, the Authority said 100% of its workforce, both direct employees and contract workers, are now covered under its Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) framework. The organisation also reported zero instances of workplace discrimination, underlining its focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. On the technology side, NHAI highlighted the implementation of 'Data Lake 3.0', an AI-enabled platform that has enhanced project oversight and helped resolve 155 conciliation claims, delivering estimated savings of Rs 25,680 crore. Meanwhile, FASTag usage reached 98.5% nationwide, easing congestion and reducing vehicle emissions at toll plazas. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
New Indian Express
16-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
NHAI to institute annual awards to recognise agencies carrying out plantations along National Highways
NEW DELHI: In a major push towards environmental sustainability, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will introduce annual awards to recognise exemplary plantation work carried out along national highways. The initiative is aimed at encouraging wider participation in restoring ecological balance and increasing greenery in highway corridors. Under the newly instituted 'NHAI Green Highways Excellence' Awards, a total of nine honours will be presented annually across three categories: Avenue Plantations, Median Plantations, and Plantations at Land Parcels, which include toll plazas, service areas, and cloverleaf junctions. According to the officials familiar with the development, the Authority has decided to institute annual 'NHAI Green Highways Excellence' awards as mandated in the Green Highways Policy, 2015. 'The objective is to recognise and reward exemplary efforts by various agencies and such initiatives for wider replications. Nomination will be invited by the Regional Officer (ROs) or Project Directors preferably in February. The plantation completed by January 31 will be considered for the recognition,' officials said.
