Synopsis
On March 12, the Gujarat government announced two major expressway projects with a total investment of Rs 96,240 crore, enhancing the state's infrastructure. The Namo Shakti Expressway and Somnath-Dwarka Expressway are set to improve connectivity and facilitate trade.Key Takeaways
- Gujarat government announces expressway projects.
- Investment of Rs 96,240 crore for infrastructure.
- Namo Shakti Expressway: 430 km, Rs 39,120 crore.
- Somnath-Dwarka Expressway: 680 km, Rs 57,120 crore.
- Focus on smart road technologies and safety.
Gandhinagar, March 12 (NationPress) The government of Gujarat has unveiled plans for two significant expressway projects, which will involve a total investment of Rs 96,240 crore.
While discussing budget proposals for the Roads and Housing Department as well as the Cooperation Department in the Assembly, Minister of State Jagdish Vishwakarma provided insights into these ambitious infrastructure projects.
The Namo Shakti Expressway, which will connect Deesa to Pipavav in Banaskantha, is planned to cover 430 kilometres with an estimated budget of Rs 39,120 crore. On the other hand, the Somnath-Dwarka Expressway will extend 680 kilometres and is expected to require an investment of Rs 57,120 crore,
To facilitate these developments, the state government has earmarked Rs 520 crore from the newly established Rs 50,000 crore Developed Gujarat Fund for the upcoming financial year, he noted.
The alignments for the expressways are expected to be finalized within the next six months, after which a detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared, anticipated to take up to a year.
Only upon completion of the DPR will the precise amount of private land acquisition needed for the expressways be assessed.
As of 2024, Gujarat boasts an extensive roadway network of over 1.11 lakh kilometres, comprising 6,922 kilometres of national highways, 20,585 kilometres of state highways, and 84,000 kilometres of district and rural roads.
The Gujarat administration has been committed to enhancing road infrastructure, allocating Rs 10,045 crore in the 2024-25 Budget for road construction, expansion, and maintenance initiatives.
Key expressway projects, such as the Namo Shakti Expressway (430 km, Rs 39,120 crore) and Somnath-Dwarka Expressway (680 km, Rs 57,120 crore), are poised to significantly improve the state's connectivity.
Furthermore, the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway, part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, is anticipated to enhance trade and commerce. Initiatives like the Bharatmala Pariyojana and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) have also greatly contributed to expanding road networks in rural areas.
The state is also concentrating on incorporating smart road technologies, such as intelligent traffic management systems and improved safety protocols. Enhancing road connectivity to major industrial centers, ports, and agricultural sectors has been prioritized to facilitate more efficient transportation and logistics.
