Government Investing ₹6 Lakh Crore in Greenfield Expressways
The Government of India is undertaking a massive infrastructure initiative. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the government is constructing 25 greenfield expressways. These projects span a total of 10,000 km across the country. The entire initiative is backed by a colossal investment of ₹6 lakh crore. The Minister made the statement while addressing the Annual Session of the PHDCCI.
Infrastructure Drive Slashes Logistics Costs
Gadkari highlighted the profound economic impact of this highway construction boom. He stated that the construction of these new expressways and economic corridors has successfully reduced the country’s logistics costs. The national average has dropped from 16 percent to 10 percent.
The Minister set an ambitious near-term goal. He projected that India’s logistics cost will fall further, reaching 9 percent by December. This competitive cost structure is crucial for national economic growth. Currently, logistics costs stand at 12 percent in the US and Europe, and 8 to 10 percent in China. The Minister emphasised that lowering this cost makes Indian products more competitive globally.
Update on Key Projects and Sector Goals
In addition to the greenfield expressways, Gadkari provided an update on the strategic Zojila Tunnel. He confirmed that 75-80 percent of the work on the tunnel is now complete. Once finished, this critical project will provide essential all-weather connectivity between the Ladakh region and the rest of the country.
He also outlined major goals for the future. The Minister believes the highway ministry could secure ₹15 lakh crore if it successfully monetises its existing road projects. Regarding the automobile industry, Gadkari aims for India to become the number one automobile hub in the world within five years. He noted the industry has already grown from ₹14 lakh crore to ₹22 lakh crore during his tenure. The sector currently employs four crore youth and contributes the highest amount of GST to central and state coffers.
Focus on Ethanol and Waste Management
Gadkari also discussed the need to shift away from fossil fuels. He pointed out that India spends a staggering ₹22 lakh crore annually on fuel imports. This reliance is both an economic burden and an environmental hazard. He championed the use of alternative fuels. He noted that farmers have already earned an additional ₹45,000 crore by producing ethanol from corn. This production also boosted corn prices significantly, directly benefitting farmers in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Finally, the Minister mentioned efforts to tackle air pollution and waste management, particularly in Delhi. He intimated that NHAI has utilised 80 lakh tonnes of solid waste for road construction so far. This initiative demonstrates infrastructure development is increasingly integrated with sustainable practices and environmental remediation efforts.
Vishal Duggal, Chief Editor, News Orbiter, possesses over two decades of journalistic experience across print and web domains. He headed the editorial team of “Sahara Time” a 48-page general interest English weekly newspaper. He was also a senior editor with Exchange4media group’s real estate magazine “Realty Plus” and prior to that Consulting Editor with “Geopolitics” a magazine on defence and strategic affairs, and Executive Editor with Pravasi Indians, a magazine on the global Indian diaspora. Currently, he lends his professional expertise to several publications and websites.
