India currently has 1,231 National Highway (NH) projects spanning about 27,597 Km with an estimated cost of roughly ₹7.72 lakh crore under construction, the government informed the Parliament on Friday (6 February).
Replying to question in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Jairam Gadkari said that the Ministry is primarily responsible for the development and maintenance of National Highways and that such works are a continuous process.
“At present, 1,231 NHs projects in about 27,597 Km costing about ₹7.72 Lakh Crore are under construction in the country,” the minister stated.
He added works on the National Highways, including capacity augmentation to two, four, six, or eight lanes is undertaken based on traffic density, connectivity requirements, road conditions, and synergy with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
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The minister also noted that Road Safety Audits of all National Highways are mandatory at every stage, including design, construction, pre-opening, and operation, to ensure safer corridors.
Based on the findings of these audits, necessary remedial measures are taken in a time-bound manner.
Further, a multi-pronged strategy addressing road engineering, vehicle safety, enforcement, and emergency care has been formulated to tackle rising safety concerns.
To reduce fatalities, the minister informed that the Centre has introduced a scheme for the Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims, currently being implemented on a pilot basis in select States and Union Territories to provide timely treatment and prevent loss of lives.
The government has also planned its pan-India launch, with the scheme aimed at strengthening the emergency care ecosystem for accident victims.
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