As India prepares for the Union Budget 2024-25, the spotlight shines brightly on the monumental strides made in infrastructure development over the past decade. From expansive national highways to state-of-the-art metro rail networks, India’s infrastructure landscape has undergone a profound transformation, catalyzing economic growth and enhancing connectivity across the country.
India’s Infrastucture development in the last 10- years
Revolutionizing National Highways
Over the last decade, India has witnessed a remarkable expansion in its National Highway (NH) network, growing by 60% from 91,287 km in 2014 to an impressive 1,46,145 km by 2023. This unprecedented growth includes a significant increase in 4-laned NHs, which have expanded by 2.5 times, reaching 46,179 km from 18,387 km in 2014. The pace of highway construction surged to an extraordinary 37 km/day in 2020-21, underscoring India’s commitment to bolstering its road infrastructure.
Rural Roads and Connectivity
Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), India has constructed a staggering 3.74 lakh km of rural roads since 2014. This initiative has connected over 99% of rural habitations, totaling 7.55 lakh km of rural roads completed thus far, compared to 3.81 lakh km in 2013-14. The PMGSY continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing accessibility and connectivity in rural areas, vital for inclusive growth.
Bharatmala Pariyojana: Driving Economic Efficiency
Launched to optimize the movement of goods and people, the Bharatmala Pariyojana has been instrumental in developing 15,549 km of roads, including economic corridors, inter-corridor routes, and coastal connectivity roads. Out of the planned 34,800 km of National Highway development under Phase-I, 76% has been awarded for construction, with completion of about 15,549 km by December 2023, boosting trade and commerce across the nation.
Vande Bharat Trains: Redefining Rail Travel
The introduction of Vande Bharat Trains has revolutionized India’s railway sector, offering enhanced safety features, faster travel times, and superior passenger amenities. With over 100 operational services boasting an impressive occupancy rate of 96.62%, these trains signify a leap forward in modernizing rail infrastructure and improving travel experiences nationwide.
Metro Rail Expansion: Urban Mobility Revolution
India’s Metro Rail network has expanded exponentially from 248 km in 2014 to a projected 945 km by 2024. Serving 21 cities compared to just 5 in 2014, the Metro Rail system now accommodates approximately 1 crore passengers daily, easing urban congestion and promoting sustainable urban transport solutions. The introduction of state-of-the-art Namo Bharat trains on the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor further underscores India’s commitment to advancing regional connectivity and urban mobility.
Looking Ahead to Budget 2024-25
As India gears up for the Union Budget 2024-25, the focus remains on sustaining and accelerating this momentum in infrastructure development. With expectations high for increased allocations and strategic initiatives, the forthcoming budget holds the promise of further enhancing India’s infrastructure, bolstering economic growth, and fostering inclusive development across the nation.