India has declared 2024 as the year of infrastructure, with significant investments earmarked for both road and railway development. The country's budget for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has reached Rs 2.78 lakh crore, complemented by Rs 2.62 lakh crore allocated to the Ministry of Railways. These record-breaking sums are set to reshape the nation's transport infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.
The year witnessed the launch of the 'Compendium of PM Gati Shakti Volume I and Volume II,' which details illustrious success stories of India's infrastructure projects. Among them, 208 major infrastructure projects valued at Rs 15.39 lakh crore are under assessment, guided by PM Gati Shakti principles aimed at improving inter-ministerial coordination.
Road infrastructure expanded tremendously under the Bharatmala Pariyojana program, which successfully constructed 18,714 km of national highways. This initiative is dedicated to enhancing connectivity through economic corridors, coastal roads, and border highways. Among the key projects completed are significant expansions of national high-speed corridors and the completion of the Shinkun La Tunnel, touted to become the highest tunnel globally.
Meanwhile, the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway is advancing, promoting cross-border trade. Key urban projects were also completed, such as the Eastern Peripheral Expressway's expansion, which ameliorated congestion issues around the Delhi-NCR region. Innovations aligned with India’s sustainability goals are apparent through the installation of over 25,000 public EV charging stations along major highways.
On the railway front, the infrastructure modernization efforts have led to the launch of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which focuses on redeveloping more than 1,330 railway stations nationwide. Allocated Rs 30,000 crore, the scheme will significantly improve passenger experiences with modern amenities powered by renewable energy.
The Vande Bharat Express network has expanded exponentially, with over 60 trains by the end of 2024, significantly reducing intercity travel times. Other key projects include the near completion of civil works for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, alongside the completion of pivotal railway projects in states like Odisha and West Bengal.
These infrastructure endeavors have not only enhanced trade and travel but also boosted employment opportunities. Infrastructure projects are estimated to have generated over 10 million jobs across direct and indirect channels. Noteworthy urban mobility projects, such as metro rail systems worth Rs 30,700 crore, have improved transit efficiencies within metropolitan areas.
The ambitious vision for 2025 and beyond aims to continue building on these accomplishments. India plans to fast-track the Gati Shakti Master Plan, which focuses on creating multimodal logistics parks, enhancing supply chain efficiencies, and reducing logistics costs significantly by 2030.
With these continuing infrastructure initiatives, India is on track to position itself as well-equipped for future economic growth. The commitment to sustainability is integral to this vision, as plans encompass the construction of 8,000 km of eco-friendly highways using recycled materials. Such strategies reflect the government's dedication to reducing logistics costs from 13% to 8% of GDP by 2030, aligning with global standards.
Looking forward, stakeholders anticipate significant advancements as technology integrates more closely with infrastructure projects. AI-driven monitoring and drone survey tactics are setting industry benchmarks, indicating India's progressive approach to managing its construction endeavors.
Overall, 2024 marked significant strides toward India’s aspiration to become one of the world's leading economic powers. Continued investments and innovative policies not only promote economic resilience but also commit to sustainable and inclusive development.
