India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is embarking on an ambitious plan to establish an extensive network of access-controlled expressways within the next 10-15 years. The initiative, known as Vision 2047, aims to create a wide network of greenfield expressways that will significantly enhance transportation infrastructure in the country.
According to Anuraj Jain, the Secretary of Road Transport and Highways, the Vision 2047 program is currently in the finalization stages. The primary focus of this initiative is to construct access-controlled expressways, which are characterized by fencing and railings along their length to prevent unauthorized access. Unlike standard highways, access-controlled roads provide a controlled and safer environment for commuters.
The envisioned network of access-controlled expressways is expected to offer smoother and faster connectivity, particularly along economic corridors, border regions, and remote areas. By improving transportation infrastructure, the initiative aims to reduce the logistics costs that have been a significant concern in India.
Jain outlined the vision, stating, “The Vision is that in every 200 km grid, you have an access-controlled highway. What this means is that anywhere in the country about 100 km on either direction of your travel, you will hit an access-controlled highway. And once this is available, suddenly the logistic parameters become good.”
While specific construction targets under Vision 2047 were not disclosed, it is estimated that the program may entail building 30,000-35,000 km of access-controlled highways and expressways by 2047, which marks the 100th anniversary of India’s independence. However, the Ministry believes that with adequate funding, the work could be completed much earlier, within the next 13-14 years.
The Vision 2047 program has already been presented to the council of ministers, and specific projects under the initiative will be approved separately by the cabinet before implementation.
Furthermore, the Vision program is expected to merge with the existing Bharatmala scheme, which was envisioned in two phases. The first phase of Bharatmala involves the construction of 34,800 km of highways, including some access-controlled sections, with an estimated completion date of 2027 at a cost of over ₹10.5 trillion.
As of July 2023, India has 47 operational expressways with a combined length of just over 5,000 km, and around 9,000 km more are under construction. Once Vision 2047 receives approval, an additional 27-30 projects may be initiated to build 30,000 km of access-controlled highways across the country, expanding the total network of such roads to approximately 45,000 km.
India’s national highways, with a total length of about 145,000 km, serve as the country’s arterial network. Currently, there are over 65,000 km of road projects in progress, with a total cost exceeding ₹11 trillion. More than 39,000 km of roadwork has been completed, leaving around 26,000 km under construction.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways received a record allocation of ₹2.7 trillion in the 2023-24 budget to expedite major infrastructure projects, indicating the government’s commitment to enhancing road infrastructure and connectivity in India.