New Delhi: In a major push to upgrade the nation’s road infrastructure, the central government is set to invest Rs 10 lakh crore over the next two years, with a strategic focus on the Northeast and border regions. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the ambitious plan during a recent interview with a news agency.
The massive investment aims to transform India’s road network to global standards, with the Northeast emerging as a priority region due to its challenging geography and strategic location along international borders.
Highlighting the scope of development, Gadkari revealed that 784 highway projects have been planned for the eastern states, involving an estimated outlay of over Rs 3.7 lakh crore. These projects will cover more than 21,300 kilometers and are being spearheaded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL).
“In the Northeast alone, we are undertaking infrastructure projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore this year,” said Gadkari, underlining the government’s commitment to bridging connectivity gaps in the region.
In addition to national highway expansion, the minister also highlighted innovation in public transport. He mentioned a mass rapid transport pilot project currently being implemented in Nagpur, involving a 135-seater electric bus powered by non-polluting energy sources. The project, pegged at Rs 170 crore, is expected to offer a sustainable and cost-effective model for urban transport.
Gadkari emphasized that the government’s mission is not just connectivity, but a future-ready infrastructure network that supports economic growth, ensures strategic mobility, and enhances regional development across India.
