Road Construction : Ensuring Quality Construction and Maintenance of Highways

Quality Road Construction and Maintenance of Highways 2025 Vision

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) aims to improve the quality of National Highways (NHs) construction and maintenance in 2025. After successfully constructing a record 56,700 km of NHs in the last decade, the ministry shifts its focus to ensure better standards and long-term upkeep of highways, ensuring a safer and smoother experience for road users.
 

Key Highlights of the 2025 Highway Vision

• Quality First : The Ministry will prioritize the quality of NH construction and maintenance over the next year.
• Transparent Evaluation : NHAI introduces a rating system to assess the performance of highway concessionaires every six months.
• Accelerated Projects : Major expressways like the Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Dehradun, and Bengaluru-Chennai expressways are expected to be completed.
• Corridor-Based Approach : A shift to corridor-focused infrastructure development ensures consistent standards and greater logistical efficiency.

Statements from Key Officials

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari stated, “The time has come to set new benchmarks in highway construction. We will ensure high-quality infrastructure that serves the nation for years to come.”
New Highways Secretary V Umashankar shared, “We are addressing past concerns and focusing on maintaining the highest standards. The introduction of a rating system is just the beginning of our efforts to improve accountability.”
 

Overview of the 2025 Highway Construction and Maintenance Plan

The MoRTH has laid out clear plans for improving both the construction and upkeep of NHs across India. The key strategies include:

• Quality Construction : Focusing on stricter standards for national highways to eliminate past criticisms.
• Rating System for Contractors : A performance rating system will monitor and evaluate concessionaires to ensure they adhere to high standards.
• Completion of Major Expressways : The much-delayed Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and other key routes are set for completion, enhancing connectivity across the country.
• Corridor-Based Development : A holistic approach to highway management, which uses data-driven insights to develop 50,000 km of high-speed corridors.

Major Benefits for National Highway Users

The new initiatives will ensure smoother, faster, and safer travel on NHs. Travelers will benefit from the enhanced quality and consistent standards of the highways. The improvements are expected to contribute to the country’s economic growth, particularly in terms of logistics efficiency. Additionally, better roads will ease the transportation of goods, benefiting businesses and local economies.

A Long-Term Vision for Highway Development

The MoRTH’s plans for 2025 are part of a broader vision to improve the country’s infrastructure. This includes the identification and construction of high-speed corridors and the completion of critical expressways. By 2047, India aims to become a USD 30 trillion economy, and efficient road infrastructure will play a significant role in achieving this goal.
 

Ongoing Maintenance and Future Plans

The NHAI has committed to regular assessments and maintenance of the highways, ensuring their durability over the long term. Moreover, a transparent, tech-driven toll system will further enhance highway management, ensuring a barrier-free travel experience for users.
The actions taken by the Ministry and NHAI will ensure that India’s highways not only meet current demands but also sustain future growth and development. As 2025 approaches, the focus is clear: quality highways for a stronger nation.