As the country witnesses unbridled urbanisation with an exponential population growth, it has been a daunting task, no less, to cope up with dismal road conditions and traffic snarl-ups. Anushka Singh says efforts are on to address this issue with Expressways paving the way for smoother and faster connectivity, observing India has witnessed a surge in expressway construction across various states and discusses their utility in transforming transportation.
India’s rapid urbanisation and population growth have led to increasing challenges in transportation, including traffic congestion and poor road conditions. In response, the country has embarked on an ambitious journey of constructing expressways to revolutionise its transportation infrastructure.
With India’s urban population expected to reach 600 million by 2031, the demand for efficient transportation infrastructure has never been higher. Poor road conditions and traffic congestion have become commonplace in major cities, hindering economic growth and affecting the quality of life for millions of people.
Expressways offer a solution to these challenges by providing faster, safer, and more reliable connectivity between urban centers. Expressways bring a plethora of benefits to commuters and the regional economy alike.
Firstly, they significantly reduce travel time, as exemplified by the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. This 94-kilometer-long expressway has slashed travel time between Mumbai and Pune drastically, transforming the commuting experience for millions of people.
Moreover, expressways enhance road safety by separating high-speed traffic from local roads. Several expressways have reduced accidents and fatalities by providing a dedicated corridor for high-speed vehicles, ensuring safer travel for commuters.
A welcome surge
India has witnessed a surge in expressway construction across various states. The Eastern Peripheral Expressway or the Kundli – Ghaziabad – Palwal Expressway (KGP Expressway) in Delhi-NCR, a 135 km long and six-lane wide expressway, provides a bypass route for vehicles bypassing Delhi, easing congestion and pollution in the national capital region.
Furthermore, the Delhi-Mumbai Greenfield Expressway project is set to revolutionise logistics and transportation between India’s two largest cities, boosting trade and commerce and driving economic growth. It is being developed with an eight-lane configuration with provision to expand to 12 lanes in the future combined with a design speed of 120 km/hr.
The Dwarka Expressway is set to connect Delhi’s Dwarka (Shiv Murti in Mahipalpur) to Kherki Daula toll plaza in Gurgaon, to provide a better alternative to the people of Gurgaon travelling to New Delhi. Constructed at an approximate cost of INR 9,000 crore, the first-of-its-kind expressway in the country is an elevated eight-lane access-controlled.
The impact of expressways on the common man is immense. The improved connectivity and reduced travel times offered by expressways have made commuting more efficient and convenient. Expressways have enhanced economic mobility, facilitating easier access to employment opportunities and essential services for millions of people.
With their myriad benefits, including reduced travel time, enhanced safety, and improved connectivity, expressways are set to change the face of transport in India, driving economic growth and improving the overall quality of life for its citizens. As India continues to invest in infrastructure development, the expansion of expressways will remain a key priority, shaping the future of transportation in the country.
Economic development
The construction of expressways has had a profound impact on India’s economic growth and development. These modern road networks have facilitated smoother movement of goods and services, leading to increased efficiency in logistics and supply chain management. Expressways like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway are expected to catalyse economic development by providing seamless connectivity between major industrial and commercial hubs.
Additionally, expressways have stimulated investment in infrastructure and real estate development along their corridors. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, for instance, has led to the emergence of new business hubs and residential complexes along its route. This has not only created employment opportunities but also fuelled economic growth in the surrounding areas.
Expressways have also contributed to the growth of the tourism industry by improving access to popular tourist destinations. The Yamuna Expressway, connecting Greater Noida with Agra, has boosted tourism in the region by providing faster and more convenient access to the Taj Mahal, one of India’s most iconic landmarks.
Socio-economic impact
Expressways have also had a significant socio-economic impact on local communities along their routes. The development of expressways has led to improved access to education, healthcare, and other essential services for residents of rural and semi-urban areas. The Eastern Peripheral Expressway, for example, has enhanced connectivity to remote villages in Delhi-NCR, improving access to healthcare facilities and educational institutions.
Expressways have spurred employment generation through the construction and maintenance of these road networks. Expressway projects have created thousands of jobs in construction, engineering, and related sectors, providing livelihood opportunities for local communities.
The construction of expressways in India has ushered in a new era of transportation infrastructure, significantly improving connectivity, promoting economic growth, and enhancing the overall quality of life for citizens. With continued investment and expansion in expressway projects, India is poised to further accelerate its economic development and emerge as a global leader in sustainable transportation infrastructure.
Environmental considerations
While the benefits of expressways are undeniable, it’s crucial to consider their environmental impact and ensure sustainability in their construction and operation. Expressway projects often involve large-scale land acquisition and may lead to deforestation and habitat destruction, posing significant environmental challenges.
To address these concerns, expressway projects in India are increasingly incorporating sustainable practices and environmental mitigation measures. For example, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway project includes provisions for afforestation and biodiversity conservation along its route.
Furthermore, expressway authorities are exploring innovative solutions to minimise environmental degradation. The use of eco-friendly construction materials, such as recycled asphalt and concrete reduces the environmental footprint of expressway projects. Additionally, the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels along expressway corridors, contributes to sustainability efforts and reduces carbon emissions.
Today, expressways are designed with features to mitigate their impact on wildlife and ecosystems. Wildlife crossings, such as underpasses and overpasses, are incorporated into expressway designs to facilitate the safe movement of animals and prevent habitat fragmentation.
Community engagement
Community engagement and consultation are integral components of expressway development to address concerns and ensure the well-being of local communities. Public hearings, stakeholder consultations, and environmental impact assessments are conducted to gather feedback and address community concerns regarding expressway projects.
Expressway authorities collaborate with local communities to implement socio-economic development initiatives. These initiatives may include skill development programmes, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure improvements in nearby villages and towns. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway project, for instance, initiated community development programmes to enhance the socio-economic well-being of local communities.
While expressways hold immense potential to transform India’s transportation landscape and drive economic growth, it’s essential to adopt a holistic approach that considers environmental sustainability and community well-being.
Several new expressways will transform transportation and travel in India. The Bengaluru-Chennai expressway will be a 260-km-long way connecting the two major cities. It will be a 90 m wide, four-lane access-controlled expressway enabling speeds of up to 120 km/hr.
The 210-km long Delhi-Dehradun expressway beginning from Akshardham temple to Dehradun will reduce the travel time to half. The 594-km-long Ganga Expressway, a six-lane expandable to 8-lane project, implemented by the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) at an estimated cost of INR 36,230 crores will reduce the travel time between Delhi and Prayagraj to almost half. It will start at Bijauli village in Meerut and end at Judapur Dandu village of Prayagraj.
Expressways are the ribbons of progress that crisscross our nation. These are not mere conduits of vehicular movement. By embracing eco-friendly practices, fostering community engagement, and implementing thoughtful mitigation measures, these infrastructure projects are transforming India.