As of May 2024, Indias road construction juggernaut continues to gain momentum. While some impressive projects like the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) have already been inaugurated, the year is far from over. Heres a compelling look at ongoing and upcoming road construction projects that will redefine connectivity and drive progress across the nation:
Currently Under Construction:
- Delhi-Meerut Expressway Expansion:
This ?7,855.87 crore (US$980 million) project aims to expand the existing Delhi-Meerut Expressway by adding additional lanes and improving safety features. It involves the expansion and upgrading of the existing National Highway 9 (NH-9) to a 96 km long controlled-access expressway, implemented in four phases, with widening to 14 lanes in some sections. This project is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Meerut by up to 2 hours, boosting economic growth by improving connectivity.
- Char Dham Pariyojana (Chardham Highway Development Project):
An ambitious ?11,700 crore project aimed at improving connectivity to the four holy places in Uttarakhand—Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Spanning 889 km of national highways, this project will cut travel time between these sites by up to 50%, fostering pilgrimage and local economic growth through better accessibility.
- Chennai-Salem Expressway Phase 2:
Part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana, this proposed 277.30 km, 6-lane access-controlled road project in Tamil Nadu is in the pre-construction stage with an estimated cost of Rs 10,000 crore. Once completed, it will slash the current 5-6 hour travel time between Chennai and Salem to about 3-4 hours, facilitating smoother trade and commutes.
Scheduled to Launch in 2024 (Later Half):
- Amritsar–Jamnagar Expressway:
This under-construction 1,257 km long, 6 lane expressway will shorten the distance between Amritsar and Jamnagar, enhancing the connectivity across four states: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The project is part of the Bharatmala and Amritsar–Jamnagar Economic Corridor (EC-3), and is set to revolutionize trade and travel in north-western India.
- Dwarka Expressway:
This 29 km long project aims to provide seamless connectivity between Dwarka and Gurgaon. Though the cost for the Delhi stretch is not specified, the Gurgaon portion costs over Rs 2,400 crore and is anticipated to be operational by the end of 2024, significantly easing traffic between these major hubs.
A Road to a Brighter Future:
These ongoing and upcoming road construction projects represent a significant investment in Indias future, promising improved connectivity, reduced travel times, economic growth, and enhanced safety. As these projects progress, they pave the way to a more connected, efficient, and prosperous future for India.
Indias road construction journey is far from over. With these projects reaching completion, the nation is well on its way to a more connected, efficient, and prosperous future.
As we anticipate the culmination of these transformative projects, mark your calendars for an exciting opportunity at the RAHSTA EXPO 2024, happening on October 9-10th at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. This event will showcase the latest in road construction technology and projects, providing a glimpse into the future of infrastructure development—Buckle Up for Progress!
