Government building expressways, investing Rs 4.5 trn: Gadkari

05 Jul 2023 CW Team

During the event on 'Management Development Program on Infrastructure Financing' organized by IIM Kozhikode, the minister informed that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had raised over Rs 70o billion through various financing methods. He added that this amount would be utilised for the construction of highway projects.

Gadkari explained that the government had conceptualized the Bharatmala Pariyojana, encompassing a 65,000 km highway development plan across the nation. The initial phase of this plan consisted of a road network spanning 34,800 km. As part of this initiative, the government aimed to construct 10,000 km of greenfield expressways, amounting to Rs 4.5 trillion.

The minister stated that the total length of India's National Highway (NH) network had risen from 91,000 km in 2014 to nearly 1.45 lakh km presently.

Furthermore, Gadkari emphasized that the government had made significant efforts to boost the economy through the national infrastructure pipeline and the PM Gati Shakti National master plan. These programs aimed to achieve comprehensive and integrated development in the country, resulting in cost and time savings. The newly established infrastructure projects would also enhance connectivity to remote regions.

Regarding infrastructure investment, the minister highlighted the importance of asset monetisation. He mentioned that NHAI held a 27% share under the national monetization pipeline. Additionally, the government was pursuing various models of monetization for national highways assets, including ToT (Toll-Operate-Transfer), InVIT (Infrastructure Investment Trust), and project-based financing, he stated.

Also read:
Kerala Water Authority to Expand Water Supply Network in Muvattupuzha
Minister unveils Rs 350 million twin sewage projects in Rajkot

Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister, announced that the government was undertaking the construction of several greenfield expressway projects totalling 10,000 km throughout the country. He stated that the cost of these projects would amount to Rs 4.5 trillion. Gadkari mentioned that these road developments were part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana, a road network initiative. During the event on 'Management Development Program on Infrastructure Financing' organized by IIM Kozhikode, the minister informed that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had raised over Rs 70o billion through various financing methods. He added that this amount would be utilised for the construction of highway projects. Gadkari explained that the government had conceptualized the Bharatmala Pariyojana, encompassing a 65,000 km highway development plan across the nation. The initial phase of this plan consisted of a road network spanning 34,800 km. As part of this initiative, the government aimed to construct 10,000 km of greenfield expressways, amounting to Rs 4.5 trillion. The minister stated that the total length of India's National Highway (NH) network had risen from 91,000 km in 2014 to nearly 1.45 lakh km presently. Furthermore, Gadkari emphasized that the government had made significant efforts to boost the economy through the national infrastructure pipeline and the PM Gati Shakti National master plan. These programs aimed to achieve comprehensive and integrated development in the country, resulting in cost and time savings. The newly established infrastructure projects would also enhance connectivity to remote regions. Regarding infrastructure investment, the minister highlighted the importance of asset monetisation. He mentioned that NHAI held a 27% share under the national monetization pipeline. Additionally, the government was pursuing various models of monetization for national highways assets, including ToT (Toll-Operate-Transfer), InVIT (Infrastructure Investment Trust), and project-based financing, he stated. Also read: Kerala Water Authority to Expand Water Supply Network in MuvattupuzhaMinister unveils Rs 350 million twin sewage projects in Rajkot

Technology

28 Oct 2025

Building Faster, Smarter, and Greener!

Backed by ULCCS’s century-old legacy, U-Sphere combines technology, modular design and sustainable practices to deliver faster and more efficient projects. In an interaction with CW, Rohit Prabhakar, Director - Business Development, shares how the company’s integrated model of ‘Speed-Build’, ‘Smart-Build’ and ‘Sustain-Build’ is redefining construction efficiency, quality and environmental responsibility in India.U-Sphere positions itself at the intersection of speed, sustainability and smart design. How does this translate into measurable efficiency on the ground?At U..

Infrastructure Transport

28 Oct 2025

Smart Roads, Smarter India

India’s infrastructure boom is not only about laying more kilometres of highways – it’s about building them smarter, safer and more sustainably. From drones mapping fragile Himalayan slopes to 3D machine-controlled graders reducing human error, technology is steadily reshaping the way projects are planned and executed. Yet, the journey towards digitisation remains complex, demanding not just capital but also coordination, training and vision.Until recently, engineers largely depended on Survey of India toposheets and traditional survey methods like total stations or DGPS to prepare detai..

Real Estate

28 Oct 2025

What Does DCPR 2034 Mean?

The Maharashtra government has eased approval norms for high-rise buildings under DCPR 2034, enabling the municipal commissioner to sanction projects up to 180 m on large plots. This change is expected to streamline approvals, reduce procedural delays and accelerate redevelopment, drawing reactions from developers, planners and industry experts about its implications for Mumbai’s vertical growth.Under the revised DCPR 2034 rules, buildings on plots of 2,000 sq m or more can now be approved up to 180 m by the municipal commissioner, provided structural and geotechnical reports are certified b..