Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has unveiled an ambitious plan to overhaul India’s transport infrastructure with a strong emphasis on sustainable and high-tech mobility solutions. In an interview with news agency PTI, Gadkari highlighted upcoming initiatives such as electric rapid mass transit, hyperloop corridors in urban areas, and ropeway and cable-car systems in remote regions.
“We are driving innovation. A revolution in mass mobility is underway,” he said, stressing the role of technology, accessibility, and environmental responsibility in shaping India’s infrastructure future.
Highway expansion and new technologies
On the national road network, Gadkari reiterated the target of constructing 100 km of highways daily and upgrading 25,000 km of two-lane roads to four lanes. National highways have increased from 91,287 km in 2013–14 to 1,46,204 km as of now, while high-speed corridors have expanded from 93 km in 2014 to 2,474 km.
To enhance safety and efficiency, the ministry is introducing AI-based monitoring, precast construction methods, and 3-ft-high road barriers. A proposal to plant 20–25 crore trees along highways is also under review, with a “tree bank” plan currently being considered by the environment ministry.
Urban and remote connectivity projects underway
Gadkari revealed that pilot projects like Metrino pod taxis, hyperloop transport, and elevated pillar-based networks are being planned for cities such as Delhi and Bengaluru. “Days are not far off when cities will have cable-run buses and electric rapid mass transport with aeroplane-like facilities,” he said.
In hilly and remote areas, 360 ropeway and funicular railway projects are in development, with 60 currently underway. Locations include pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath. These systems are aimed at providing safe and efficient transportation on steep terrain.
In Nagpur, tenders have been floated for 135-seater electric buses capable of reaching speeds of 120–125 km/hr. Equipped with premium seating and air conditioning, these fast-charging vehicles (30–40 minutes) will undergo trials before ..
Green fuel push and pollution reduction goals
Gadkari said India’s transition to green energy is progressing, with 11 companies—including Tata, Toyota, Hyundai, and Mahindra—agreeing to manufacture flex-fuel vehicles that run on ethanol or methanol blends. These vehicles aim to reduce fossil fuel dependency and lower emissions.
India’s transport sector contributes nearly 40 percent of the country’s air pollution, according to Gadkari. The shift to alternative fuels is expected to ..
The minister recently stated that India could become a net energy exporter within the next 6–7 years, supported by advancements in ethanol, biodiesel, and hydrogen fuel technologies.
Source Name : Economic Times