12,000-13,000 kilometers of highway construction targeted for FY24: Road Secy

Anurag Jain, Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), provided insights into the highway construction progress for the financial year 2023-24 (FY24). Despite challenges such as extended monsoons and a stricter review process, significant strides have been made in capacity augmentation and widening existing highways.

Overall Construction Targets and Achievements

• An estimated 12,000-13,000 kilometers of highway construction targeted for FY24.
• Monthly construction showing positive trends despite delays.
• Expectation of substantial construction activity in the last quarter, aiming for 4,500-5,000 km between February and March 2024.

Quality Enhancement and Capacity Augmentation

• Focus on quality improvement alongside quantity targets.
• Emphasis on widening and upgrading highways to four lanes, reaching a record high.
• Shift in perspective to prioritize quality over sheer length of highways.

Impact of Model Code of Conduct and Other Challenges

• Optimistic projections tempered by the potential impact of the model code of conduct ahead of general elections.
• Stricter review processes and follow-up meetings with state governments contributing to improved road quality.

Vision 2047 and Future Planning

• Introduction of ‘Vision 2047’ to guide future road development endeavors.
• Alignment of awarded projects with the long-term vision.
• Integration of predictive analysis tools for better project management and planning.

Flagship Programs and Cabinet Communication

• Delays in approving flagship highway development programs communicated to the Union Cabinet.
• Bharatmala Phase-1’s revised proposal under scrutiny due to a significant cost increase.
• Awareness of the impact of reduced project awards on overall construction progress.