Investments In The Highways: Will It Lead India To Growth?
Will aggressive investments in the highways lead to growth? India has been building roads and highways at an unprecedented rate. A large part of the government’s capital expenditure goes into building roads and highways. However, the slacked rate of growth has made people question if the extensive investment in roads and transportation infrastructure will lead to growth. As per the data given by investindia.gov.in
The total road network in India is 6.2mn km comprising all the categories of roads – national and state highways (NH) account for 2% of the total road network and carry over 40% of total traffic.” There has been a consistent increase in the construction of National Highways with 13,327 kms being constructed in 2020-21, from 4,410 km of NHs construction in 2014-15. In the last seven years, the length of the NHs has gone up by more than 50% from 91287 km in April 2014. It has grown to 1,40152 km now. The pace of construction has increased more than three times from 12 km per day in 2014-15 to 37 km per day in 2020-21.
The Bharatmala pariyojana launched in 2017, aims to build 4-lane connectivity to 550 districts. Develop 50 economic corridors of 26000 km. Increase the vehicular speed by 20-25%. Reduce the supply chain cost by 5-6%, and improve the NH network to carry 70-80% of total road traffic. The first phase of the programme will develop 34,800 km highways, at an estimated outlay of INR 535000 crore.
According to a report by The Hindu- The Ministry has been allocated Rs 199107.71 crore from financial year 2022-23. It was INR 118101 crore in last year’s Budget estimate. Additional to it Rs 81000 crore granted to the ministry this year is earmarked for investments in highways. Its allocation seeing a 133% increase (Rs 76,665 crore to Rs 134015 crore).
Is widening roads the solution to reduce congestion?
With rising income private vehicle ownership has been more of a need than a want in India. It is seen as a status symbol and luxury which in result has decreased the consumption of public transport leading to congestion in roads. Expanding the roads has increased the traffic as additional traffic sweeps in to fill the extra lanes and spaces.
People are spending hours in daily commute has now been a part of their daily struggle. The traffic congestion in the metro cities like – Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune – has been a content for people to laugh. People are finding unique ways to invest their time while being in traffic rather than paying attention to the problem of commute, stagnant traffic trends.
Investments are need of the hour
Some commentators have called for greater investments in public transport as they believe it can be a solution to traffic congestion and many more that comes with it. It is equally important to have a good access to public transportation as well as good roads and highways.
Investing in public transport can motivate people to switch their mobility preferences. Strengthening public transport system will lead to less ownership of private vehicles which will help to reduce movements on streets thus fewer traffic fumes leading to a happy and healthy life. It helps in social mobility, helps the local economy and is cost effective.
This development is affirmative and follows the model of sustainable development. In conclusion the pulsating economy depends on the roads and its arteries as it has multiplier effect on development. The road transport has emerged as a dominant segment with the share of 4.8 percent in India’s GDP.
It not only connects India to the world but also to large cities, towns and to the remotest area. It enables economic activity spread allowing under-developed regions to catch up to the inclusive growth. Hence Investment in Roads and Transportation Infrastructure should undergo a paradigm shift.
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