Road Ahead

The committee on Infrastructure headed by the Prime Minister set up in August 2004 has outlined the future highways development programme as under:

• Completion of balance length of Golden Quadrilateral and Corridors under National Highways Development Project (NHDP) Phase I and Phase II at a cost of Rs. 43,250 crore.
  
• Widening of four lanes of 10,000 km of National Highway at a cost of Rs.55,000 crore under NHDP Phase III
  
• Widening of two lanes with paved shoulders of 20,000 km of National Highways at a cost of Rs. 24,000 crore under NHDP Phase IV
  
• Widening of six lanes of 6,500 km of Golden Quadrilateral and selected stretches of National Highways at a cost of Rs. 22,750 crore under NHDP Phase V.
  
• Development of 1,000 km of Expressways at a cost of Rs. 15000 crore under NHDP Phase VI
  
• Construction of ring roads, flyovers and bypasses on selected stretches at a cost of Rs. 15000 crore under NHDP Phase VII
  
• The Government has approved development and strengthening of 1310 km or roads including 1110 of National Highways in North East under Phase A of the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme at a cost of Rs. 4618 crore. Preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for 5122 km under Phase B has also been approved. Further, 1207 km is under consideration.
  
• Projects under NHDP in future will be awarded on BOT basis in general and in exceptional cases under normal contract.
  
• Project size has been adequately programmed for a length for 100 km or more for investment level of US$ 120 million and more for attracting foreign investors.