Centre approves 8 high-speed road corridors worth over Rs 50,000 cr, PM Modi hails transformative boost
The Narendra Modi government has sanctioned eight major National High-Speed Road Corridor Projects, covering 936 km and costing Rs. 50,655 crore, to enhance logistics efficiency, reduce congestion, and improve connectivity nationwide.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the Union Cabinet’s approval of eight high-speed road corridor projects, describing it as a significant enhancement to India's infrastructure. On Friday, the Union Cabinet approved eight major National High-Speed Road Corridor Projects totaling 936 km and costing Rs 50,655 crore. The initiative aims to improve logistics efficiency and connectivity across the country.
Prime Minister’s statement
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi lauded the approval as a "transformative boost" to India's infrastructure. He emphasised that the projects will have a "multiplier effect" on economic growth and create substantial employment opportunities.
The Narendra Modi government has greenlit eight significant National High-Speed Road Corridor Projects, spanning 936 km, with a total investment of Rs. 50,655 crore. This move aims to boost logistics efficiency, reduce congestion, and enhance connectivity across India. “Cabinet today approved 8 important National High-Speed Road Corridor Projects of length 936 km at a total cost of over Rs 50,000 crore to improve logistics efficiency, reduce congestion and enhance connectivity across the country,” Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.
The projects include:
- Six-lane Agra-Gwalior National High-Speed Corridor
- Four-lane Kharagpur-Moregram National High-Speed Corridor
- Six-lane Tharad-Deesa-Mehsana-Ahmedabad National High-Speed Corridor
- Four-lane Ayodhya Ring Road
- Five-lane section between Pathalgaon and Gumla on the Raipur-Ranchi National High-Speed Corridor
- Six-lane Kanpur Ring Road
- Four-lane Northern Guwahati Bypass and Widening/Improvement of Existing Guwahati Bypass
- Eight-lane elevated Nashik Phata-Khed Corridor near Pune
Government's vision for infrastructure development
In his statement, Vaishnaw highlighted the mandate given to PM Modi by 140 crore Indians, leading to a historic third consecutive term in power. He emphasized that the approved projects are part of a broader strategy to invest Rs. 76,000 crore in Vadhavan Port and other infrastructure initiatives.
Economic impact and strategic approach
The government noted, "Infrastructure development is the foundation for a country's economic prosperity and is critical for improving the quality of life of its citizens. Every rupee spent on infrastructure development has a multiplier effect of about 2.5-3.0 times on GDP."
Total capital investment in National Highways, including private investment, has surged from Rs. 50,000 crore in 2013-14 to approximately Rs. 3.1 lakh crore in 2023-24. The government has shifted from a project-based development approach to a corridor-based strategy, focusing on consistent standards, user convenience, and logistics efficiency