Better Roads For A Developing India

Roads play a vital role in the economic development of the nation. Road Transport is one of the easiest, convenient, and economical modes of transportation. Roads also play an important role in the defence as well as in the cultural progress of our country. Roads lay the foundation for a developed economy by facilitating connectivity. In its current phase, the need of the hour for the growth of the Indian Economy is facilitation of trade with better connectivity and hence, higher emphasis is laid on our nation’s infrastructure. This is particularly true for the roads in the country as they remain the most common mode of transport for the people.

With automobiles and freight movement growing at a fast pace, the necessity for a good road network to carry the traffic is paramount. Understanding this need, the Government of India has set aside 20 percent of the investment of US$ 1 trillion reserved for infrastructure during the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-17) to develop the country’s roads. Private sector has to play a pivotal role and make a substantial contribution in the plan.

The value of roads and bridges infrastructure in India is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.4 percent over FY12-17. The country’s roads and bridges infrastructure, which was valued at US$ 6.9 billion in 2009, is expected to touch US$ 19.2 billion by 2017.
Projects under operation:
NK Toll Road Limited was set up with the motive to operate a 43 kms long 4 section connecting Namakkal and Karul in Tamil Nadu on NH 7. The project construction work has been completed, the commercial operation for the project commenced in August 2009.
DS Toll Road Limited was set up with the objective to design, build and operate a 53 km long 4 lane road connecting Dindigul with Samayanallore near Madurai in Tamil Nadu on NH 7. The project construction works have been completed; the commercial operation for the project commenced in September 2009.
SU Toll Road Private Limited was set up with the objective to design, build and operate 136 km long 4 lane road connecting Salem with Ulundurpet in Tamil Nadu on National Highway (NH 68). This was the first project of more than 100 kms to be awarded by NHAI on build, operate and transfer basis. Partial Tolling on this road commenced from July 2012 while tolling for the entire stretch started after completion of the entire project in Sept 2013.