We have the second largest road network in the world

05 Oct 2023 CW Team

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister, Nitin Gadkari, addressed the 27th World Road Congress in Prague, where he showcased India's achievements and ongoing challenges in the transportation sector.

Gadkari proudly announced that India possesses the second-largest road network globally, demonstrating the nation's extensive infrastructure. Furthermore, he underscored India's position as the world's third-largest automobile manufacturing hub, highlighting the country's significant role in the global automotive industry.

However, Gadkari did not shy away from acknowledging a pressing issue ? the high incidence of accidents in India. He described this as a major challenge for the country, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to enhance road safety.

In response to this challenge, Gadkari outlined various steps taken by the government. These measures encompass decisions related to automobile engineering, road engineering, emergency response, education, and enforcement. Additionally, special legislation has been introduced in parliament to impose strict penalties on individuals violating road safety laws.

Despite these efforts, Gadkari acknowledged that further work is required to achieve substantial improvements in road safety. This recognition underscores the urgency of addressing road safety issues in India.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Implementation Status of Jal Jeevan Mission

Since August 2019 the Government has implemented Jal Jeevan Mission to provide assured potable water through household tap connections in rural India. At the start of the mission only 32.3 million (mn) rural households, representing 16.7 per cent, were reported to have tap water connections. States and union territories have reported that 125.8 mn additional rural households have since been provided with tap connections. As a result, of about 193.6 mn rural households roughly 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water supply at home.\n\nThe State, district and village level st..

Jal Jeevan Mission Reaches Eighty One Per Cent Rural Coverage

The Government reported substantial progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in August 2019 to provide tap water to every rural household. At launch only 32.3 million (mn) rural households had tap connections and states and Union territories reported provision of 125.8 mn additional households by March 2026. Consequently, out of about 193.6 mn rural households around 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water at home. The Finance Minister announced extension of the mission until 2028 in the 2025-26 budget speech. The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, launched in October 20..

Empowering Local Governance for Sustainable Rural Water Supply

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has aligned the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) with the 73rd Amendment to strengthen village level planning and community ownership of water supply. Gram Panchayats, village water and sanitation committees and Pani Samitis are to plan, implement, manage and maintain piped water systems, with gram sabha processes formalising handover and oversight. Implementation support agencies including non government organisations, community based organisations and self help groups have been empanelled to train local committees and promote women participation. Under JJM, the department ..