India has about 52.32 lakh km of road network, which is the second largest in the world. The length of various categories of roads is as under:-

National Highways 1,00,475 km

State Highways 1,48,256 km

Other Roads 49,83,579 km

During the current FY till 30.11.2015, 5331 Kms length of National Highways have been awarded while 3480 Kms have been constructed.

The Government has approved a scheme for development of about 1,177km of NHs and 4,276km of State Roads in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas as a Special Project with an estimated cost of about Rs. 7,300 Crore.

Development of Vijayawada Ranchi route

Out of 1,622 km long LWE affected Vijayawada - Ranchi route, development of 600 km (net length 594 km) of State Roads in Odisha (548 km Newly declared NH and 46 km SH), not covered in any Central or State Scheme has been approved by the Government at a cost of Rs 1,200 crore on 4 th November, 2010.

So far, the detailed estimates for all the 9 packages in an aggregate length of 594 km have been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,333 crore and works were awarded. Out of these, 2 Nos works covering 157 km length were terminated and they have been re-awarded.

Ministry's initiatives to leverage more resources through Private Sector Investment for development of non-NHDP NHs

About 17 projects of about 1,950 km length were identified as non-NHDP NH Sections for taking up on BOT(Toll) basis through private sector participation. However, 13 projects for about 1395 km length have been awarded under BOT (Toll) basis and a length of 846 has already been completed. The remaining stretches which could not be awarded under BOT (Toll) basis, are being awarded under EPC Mode under NH (O).

For BOT (Toll) projects, the cost for preconstruction activities are to be met from the available allocations under NH(O). The Viability Gap Funding (VGF) upto 20% of the Total Project Cost (TPC) for these projects are proposed to be met from the support from the Ministry of Finance under its VGF Scheme; the balance VGF upto 20% is to be met from available allocations of the Ministry under NH (O). Taking up of these projects on BOT (Toll) would ensure their proper long term operation and maintenance.

New Initiatives

1. Bharat Mala - 5500 km - to develop roads along the international borders and coastal areas

2. Special Scheme - 6000 km - roads facilitating connectivity to religious /tourist places and providing connectivity to backward regions

3. District Connectivity - development of National Highways providing connectivity to district headquarters

4. Setu Bharatam - All the level crossings and narrow/weak bridges to be replaced by Railway Over / Under Bridges and new constructions

Targets for 2015-16

During this year 2015-16, the Ministry has target to award 10,000Km of National Highways, which is 25% more than the stretches awarded during last year. Similarly, Ministry has target to complete work in 6300 km of stretches, which is around 45% more the km completed during the last year.

PPPs showing signs of recovery

PPPs are also showing signs of recovery. In 2015 -16, 7 PPP projects with aggregate length of 874 Kms and cost of Rs 11,927 Cr. have been awarded so far.