From a rail dominant economy in the 1950s, India has become a decidedly road dominant economy in the 1990s. The roadways have grown rapidly in independent India. Ranging from the cross-country link of the national highways to the roads in the deepest interiors, the country has a road network of 3 million km, making it the third largest road network in the world! The source for this information - The World Book Encyclopedia.
The demand for more and better roads, already exceeds the existing network and is rising rapidly since the advent of economic liberalisation in 1991.
Estimates indicate that the country could make economic savings to the tune of Rs 200-300 billion (US$ 5.7-8.6 billion) per annum through improved road infrastructure.
The annual average rate of traffic growth has been 8 to 10 percent. It is estimated that of the total requirement of Rs 300 billion (US$ 8.57 billion) for development of State Highways, the private sector would be required to invest nearly 20 percent.
For effective management and administration, Indian roads are divided into National Hightways, State highways, district roads and village roads. Presently, the functions relating to externally-aided projects, implementation of policy on private sector participation and development of wayside amentities along the National Highways, have been assigned to National Highway Authority of India ("NHAI"). State highways, district roads and village roads are the responsibility of the State governments.
An Implementing Agency ('IA') carries out the policy implementation and regulatory functions. The IA ensures that the highway facility is available to all users on equal terms and no user is charged more than the notified fee, or harassed in any manner or subject to any unfair or restrictive practices. |
