Since the time PM Narendra Modi-led BJP government came into power, the country has shown tremendous progress in the infrastructure sector. Now with the recent exit polls predicting BJP’s return, experts believe that the landscape of roadways is set to revolutionize to a whole other level, especially as new projects are likely to open grand new investment opportunities. The polls that predicted BJP’s return include India Today- Axis My India (361-401), Republic Bharat- Matrize (353-368), News 24-Today’s Chanakya (400), ABP News-C Voter (353-383), Republic Bharat- P Marq (359), India News- D-Dyanamics (371), Dainik Bhaskar (281-350), News Nation (342-378), TV 9 Bharatvarsh- Polstrat (342), Times Now-ETG (358), India TV- CNX (362-392) and Jan Ki Baat (362-392).
BJP’s manifesto is strongly worded when it comes to detailing their plans for the Indian roadways. It is pretty evident that their goals are set on exapnsing and enhancing the road network. Let’s take a look:
PM Gram Sadak Yojana Expansion
If the BJP retains its crown at the Centre, the party manifesto suggests that they plan to extend the PM Gram Sadak Yojana to the most remote areas that are struggling with connectivity and access to healthcare, education, government services, as well as markets.
Strengthening Expressways, Ring Roads
Another major plan includes expanding and strengthening the modern road connectivity ecosystem to 15,000 km of access-controlled highways and expressways. The BJP has promised in its manifesto to construct ring roads around major cities to improve mobility and decongest cities.
Promoting Electric Vehicles
The govt has already enhanced the usage of EVs in the country. The Centre has successfully facilitated the induction of more than 30 lakh EVs that are currently operational on roads. However, if BJP returns to power, as predicted by the exit polls, India’s roads will see an increase in the EV fleet. And with that, there is thus high possibility for an increase in the number of EV charging stations
Enhancing Road safety
The govt is expected to focus more on improving safety on roads through a series of techno-legal interventions, training, and behavioral changes with the intent to improve mobility and decongest cities.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s last two terms, the National Highways, have grown by 60%. In 2014, they were about 91,287 kilometers long, but by the end of 2023, they stretched to about 146,145 kilometers. The length of bigger National Highways with at least four lanes has also increased, from 18,387 kilometers in 2014 to 46,179 kilometers by the end of 2023.