Key Policy Initiatives in Road Transport and Highways

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is formulating several key policy initiatives aimed at infrastructure development and coordinated urban planning along India's national highways. A consultative meeting chaired by Road Minister Nitin Gadkari involved states and Union Territories (UTs) to gather input on these initiatives.

Consultative Meeting Highlights

• The meeting involved detailed consultations with state and UT representatives to discuss regional priorities, administrative challenges, and successful practices.
• Participants provided feedback to ensure policies are practical and meet the needs of states and cities nationwide.

Urban Decongestion Policy

• Aims to reduce traffic congestion on national highways passing through cities with populations over 100,000.
• Proposes development of access-controlled ring roads, bypasses, and elevated corridors.
• Emphasizes integration with urban master plans to complement city development and prevent unplanned growth.

Solid Waste Management in Highway Construction

• The ministry promotes using inert waste from urban landfills in constructing highway embankments.
• This approach seeks to reduce dependence on natural soil, lower construction costs, and address solid waste management challenges.

State Road Development Policy

• Designed to provide central support for upgrading high-traffic state highways to four lanes or more.
• Proposes a cost-sharing framework between the Centre and states, supported by public-private partnerships (PPP) to attract private investment.