New Delhi: Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra addressed ‘TV9 Network: Highway Heroes Season-2’ event in Delhi on Monday. Speaking at the event, he said that he was happy to honor country’s unsung heroes (truck drivers). The minister also emphasised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to building a more inclusive, safe and respectful transport ecosystem in the country.
Malhotra said that over the past decade, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has been at the forefront of India’s infrastructure revolution. Under the visionary leadership of PM Modi and the guidance of Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, the ministry has constructed more than 60,000 kilometers of highways, increasing national connectivity and economic integration, he said.
Pace of highway construction accelerated to over 30 km/day
He said that several transformational initiatives are being implemented for the welfare of ‘Highways Heroes’, including skill development and refresher programs, health and wellness schemes and the recently launched cashless treatment policy for road accident victims, which ensures timely medical care without any financial burden. The minister also said that the government is working towards developing more than 700 Wayside Amenities (WSA) along the National Highways by 2028-29, which will include fuel stations, EV charging points, toilets, drinking water, parking, canteens and hostels, which will improve the quality of life and dignity of our drivers.
Malhotra said that the pace of highway construction has increased from 12 km per day in 2014 to more than 30 km per day, which is a testimony to streamlined processes, digital project monitoring and increased public-private partnerships. In the last five years, NHAI’s development works have generated an estimated 45 crore man-days of direct employment, 57 crore man-days of indirect employment and 532 crore man-days of induced employment. The minister mentioned the involvement of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in removing policy, environmental and logistics related bottlenecks to ensure that infrastructure development is in line with the vision of a developing India by 2047.
‘About 14000 black spots rectified in country’
He informed that ethanol blending is being encouraged under the E20 target and about 800 ethanol production projects are registered across India. At the same time, the Union Minister of State emphasized on pollution caused by highway construction and informed that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has implemented Bharat Stage (CEV/TRAM)-V emission norms for construction equipment and tractors.
He expressed concern over road accidents and black spots and informed that the Ministry has improved about 14,000 black spots across the country. In addition, safety audits, improved signage, pedestrian infrastructure and delegated technical approvals have made highway design more sensitive and inclusive.
‘Moving towards vision of developed India 2047’
He said that the journey of the ministry in the last 11 years reflects a transformational change in India’s transport landscape. It includes building world-class infrastructure to addressing environmental and safety challenges. As we move towards the vision of Developed India 2047, the ministry is committed to innovation, sustainability and inclusiveness. With a constant focus on green mobility, accident reduction and skill development, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is not just building roads, but it is paving the way for a safer, cleaner and more prosperous India.
