The Indian government is set to invest Rs 10 trillion over the next two years to strengthen the national highway network, with a specific focus on the Northeast region. This initiative is part of a larger effort to overhaul the country’s infrastructure, ensuring it meets global standards. The plan includes the development of highways in the Northeast that will be comparable to those in the United States. The urgency for improving infrastructure in this region is heightened by its challenging terrain and strategic proximity to borders. The government aims to implement a variety of projects across the nation, including in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Delhi. A total of 784 highway projects will be launched in the eastern states, covering 21,355 kilometers, with an estimated cost of Rs 3.73 trillion. Notable investments include Rs 576.96 billion in Assam, Rs 900 billion in Bihar, Rs 420 billion in West Bengal, Rs 530 billion in Jharkhand, and Rs 580 billion in Odisha. Additionally, projects worth Rs 1 trillion are planned for the Northeast region, excluding Assam, for this year alone. In parallel, a mass rapid transport pilot project is being developed in Nagpur, costing Rs 1.70 billion. This project features a 135-seater bus powered by non-polluting energy sources, designed to be cost-effective. If successful, the model will be replicated on key routes nationwide, including the Delhi-Jaipur stretch. The expansion of the National Highway network has been significant, rising from 91,287 km in March 2014 to 1,46,204 km. The proportion of national highways with fewer than two lanes has also decreased dramatically from 30 per cent to just 9 per cent. News source: ABP