Barrier-Free Tolling, Road Safety Bill Top Transport Agenda for 2026

31 Dec 2025 CW Team

According to officials, road crashes currently claim nearly 1.8 lakh lives every year in India, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement, safer road design and technology-driven interventions. The proposed Road Safety Bill is expected to bring a comprehensive legal framework focused on safer mobility, stricter compliance and accountability across stakeholders.

Alongside legislative reforms, the ministry is pushing for nationwide rollout of barrier-free tolling systems to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow on highways. The move is aimed at reducing congestion at toll plazas, cutting travel time, improving fuel efficiency and enhancing commuter convenience. Officials said advanced tolling technologies will replace physical barriers, enabling vehicles to pass toll points without stopping.

Infrastructure expansion will also remain a major focus area in 2026, with the ministry planning the inauguration of several marquee national highways and expressways. Among the key projects slated for completion is the 1,362-km Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, which is expected to be fully operational by November 2026. The Amritsar–Jamnagar highway is scheduled for completion by December 2026, strengthening connectivity across northern and western India.

Other major corridors expected to be inaugurated next year include the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway by June 2026, the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway by March 2026, the Indore–Hyderabad highway by May 2026, and the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway by January 2026.

Officials said the commissioning of these high-capacity corridors will significantly reduce travel time, improve logistics efficiency and enhance road safety by diverting traffic from congested urban routes. Together with barrier-free tolling and a stronger legal framework, the initiatives are expected to mark a decisive shift towards safer, faster and more efficient road transport in India.

News source: The Hindu Businessline

The implementation of seamless, barrier-free tolling across national highways and the passage of a new Road Safety Bill will be the top priorities of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in 2026, as the government intensifies efforts to curb road accidents and fatalities.According to officials, road crashes currently claim nearly 1.8 lakh lives every year in India, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement, safer road design and technology-driven interventions. The proposed Road Safety Bill is expected to bring a comprehensive legal framework focused on safer mobility, stricter compliance and accountability across stakeholders.Alongside legislative reforms, the ministry is pushing for nationwide rollout of barrier-free tolling systems to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow on highways. The move is aimed at reducing congestion at toll plazas, cutting travel time, improving fuel efficiency and enhancing commuter convenience. Officials said advanced tolling technologies will replace physical barriers, enabling vehicles to pass toll points without stopping.Infrastructure expansion will also remain a major focus area in 2026, with the ministry planning the inauguration of several marquee national highways and expressways. Among the key projects slated for completion is the 1,362-km Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, which is expected to be fully operational by November 2026. The Amritsar–Jamnagar highway is scheduled for completion by December 2026, strengthening connectivity across northern and western India.Other major corridors expected to be inaugurated next year include the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway by June 2026, the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway by March 2026, the Indore–Hyderabad highway by May 2026, and the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway by January 2026.Officials said the commissioning of these high-capacity corridors will significantly reduce travel time, improve logistics efficiency and enhance road safety by diverting traffic from congested urban routes. Together with barrier-free tolling and a stronger legal framework, the initiatives are expected to mark a decisive shift towards safer, faster and more efficient road transport in India.News source: The Hindu Businessline

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

CFI Appoints New National Council for FY27 and FY28

The Construction Federation of India (CFI) has announced its newly elected National Council and office bearers for a two-year term covering FY27 and FY28. M. V. Satish, Advisor to CMD and Lead Ambassador for Middle East, L&T, has been elected President; Priti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects, has been appointed Vice President; and Ajit Bhate, Managing Director, Precast India Infrastructures, has taken charge as Treasurer.The newly formed National Council brings together senior leaders from major EPC and infrastructure companies, reflecting CFI’s continued focus o..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

India REIT Market Gains Momentum with Strong Returns

India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is witnessing strong growth, emerging as a competitive investment avenue both domestically and across Asia. According to a recent ANAROCK report released at EXCELERATE 2026 by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the sector is evolving into a mature asset class driven by solid fundamentals, regulatory backing and rising investor confidence.The introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has further widened access through fractional ownership, unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 670–710 billion. Indian REITs have deli..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Apr 2026

G R Infraprojects Secures Rs 4,130 Million BESS Contract From NTPC

G R Infraprojects said it has secured a contract from NTPC to supply and implement a battery energy storage system (BESS) valued at Rs 4,130 million (mn). The company reported the order was awarded as part of NTPC's ongoing efforts to enhance grid flexibility and energy storage capacity. The contract represents a notable addition to the firm's project pipeline and underscores demand for utility scale storage solutions. The award is expected to strengthen G R Infraprojects' presence in the energy infrastructure sector and to contribute to the firm's order book and future revenues, subject to st..