Infrastructure development is one of the key central pillars on which India needs to proceed with its own self-developing process. It involves road networks, tunnels, and other transportation networks. As per Nitin Gadkari, the union minister of road transport and highways, economically viable technology would be the basis that could enable infrastructure projects to be economically sustainable in cost.
Economic Feasibility of Infrastructure Technology
Infra technology needs to make sense from an economic point of view, said Nitin Gadkari. Delivering a speech at the Assocham event, the minister said infrastructure projects need to be kept economical while maintaining high standard safety and quality. Infrastructures have been taken measure, that these projects were effective but cost-effective despite some issues related to Chinese import machinery, added Gadkari.
“Reducing the cost is the need of the world,” Gadkari said while referring to efforts made in reducing the cost of machinery and technology for large-scale infrastructure development. This vision supports the boosting of local industries in India and reduces the nation’s imports from other countries, which further leads to sustainable growth in the nation’s infrastructure sector.
Promoting Road Infrastructure and Tunnels
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, so far, the government has done commendable work regarding the development of road infrastructure, which is not only developing tunnels but also bridges that are regarded as critical for developing a country. Of course, these are vital not only for developing connectivity but have immense potential in driving auto investment and generating an enormous amount of employment across sectors.
Key Projects: Zojila and Beyond
The most ambitious infrastructure project is currently underway with the Zojila Tunnel, a 14.2 km passage, being built underneath Zojila Pass at 9,800 feet. Estimated at Rs 6,500 crore, the strategic tunnel will greatly enhance connectivity between Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, as one of Asia’s longest tunnels, it would play a pivotal role in the region’s development.
On the basis of the success of the Zojila Tunnel, India plans to construct 74 more tunnels under its high-way development programme. They are expected to cost around Rs 1 lakh crore. These projects will be over 273 km and will be completed in the near future. Accessibility and economic growth will also become easier in underdeveloped and strategically important regions.
Strategic Tunnels and Border Connectivity
India has improved connectivity in a big way by way of constructing tunnels that strengthen connections with its borders. For instance, in Arunachal Pradesh, India, in March 2024, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the strategic Sela Tunnel at an outlay of Rs 825 crore. It is the world’s longest bi-lane tunnel at 13,000 feet, providing a reliable route through an area known for extreme weather conditions and hazardous driving.
In addition to the Sela Tunnel, India is also developing the Shinkun La Tunnel in the Nimu-Padum-Darcha road. This is a twin tube 4.1 km tunnel. The works of this was inaugurated in July 2024; the 24/7 connectivity with Northern Borders with China would greatly help strategic mobility and national security.
The Atal Tunnel: A Landmark Achievement
Another significant achievement of the tunnel infrastructure developed by India is the Atal Tunnel, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi in October 2020. This tunnel, built at a cost of Rs 3,200 crore, completed by the Border Roads Organisation after 10 years of hard work, is one of the world’s longest highway tunnels connecting Manali to Leh, thereby reducing hours of travel and serving as an important link for Ladakh.
Future Vision for India’s Tunnel Infrastructure
Indian government is spending huge amounts in the construction of tunnel infrastructures with a clear vision to expand India’s roads in such a way that it enables quicker and easier travel by both civilians and military. This development further enhances economic growth while developing national security through the fact that there would be unhindered access to borders without any hindrance, even in worst weather conditions.
Conclusion
The latest speech by Nitin Gadkari clearly portrays that the government is very serious and really committed to making the infrastructure technology more affordable and efficient. India, with such a bold vision for tunnels, bridges, and highways, is going to witness massive improvements in connectivity that would fuel the development of economics and also boost employment opportunities throughout the country.
India now stands ready to lay down a stronger and prospering future, with low-cost solutions and high quality infrastructures in mind. When such projects are ready to take shape, they’ll then testify to the ground made through infrastructural capabilities by India in the world’s horizon.
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