The Union cabinet has cleared two highway projects worth Rs. 20,668 crore. The projects include the biggest build-operate-transfer (BOT) six-lane and access-controlled expressway, which is set to be built between Nashik and Solapur in Maharashtra, Hindustan Times reported.
What Ashwini Vaishnaw said
On this, Union Minister Ashiwni Viashnaw said, "This corridor is a vital part of the Viksit Bharat Golden Quadrilateral, specifically the section connecting Mumbai and Chennai. With an investment of ₹19,142 crore, the project will link major industrial centres, including Ahilya Nagar and Dharashiv, and is expected to be completed within two years.
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The stretch will include 27 major bridges, 164 smaller bridges, and a 5.6-kilometre elevated viaduct. The expressway is designed for speeds of 100 to 120 KMPH and will reduce the travel distance by 14 per cent. It is expected to cut travel time between Chennai and Surat by nearly 45 per cent. The project will also support multimodal connectivity by linking airports, railway stations, and Gati Shakti economic hubs, Hindustan Times reported.
NH-326 expansion in Odisha
The Union cabinet has approved a second project. This project will aim at widening the National Highway 326 in Odisha. An investment of ₹1,526 crore will be made, and the project will focus on enhancing connectivity in districts dominated by tribals. The road is expected to boost economic activity in mineral-rich areas that currently lack good infrastructure. It will support industries such as aluminium production and also help emerging sectors like specialty coffee farming by improving access to markets.
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Ashwini Vaishnaw noted that highways will not be the only ones to be developed. He said that the Modi government is allocating funds to the development of railways, airports, and ports to decrease transport costs and enhance the efficiency of supply chains as an integrated approach.
