The speed of the annual construction of four, six and eight lane national highways (NHs) has increased by over 300 per cent from Rs 1,289 km in 2015 to Rs 3,693 km in 2021-22.

The development of six and eight lane highways has particularly witnessed an exponential growth in the last two years, The Times of India reports.

Around 616 km of NH stretches were built as six and eight lane highways in 2019. This number has risen to 1,165 km in 2021-22.

The pace is only set to enhance from hereon given that the agencies under the Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry are more focused on constructing economic corridors and expressways now.

Furthermore, an official from the highways ministry said that the development of highways in the given categories will reach a new record by 2026-27 when the majority of the 22 expressway and economic corridor projects with a combined length of 5,600 km will be completed.

Another official in the know of developments told TOI that the central government is putting equal focus on providing NH connectivity to areas having lesser traffic as well.

“So, we are also widening single-lane highways to two lanes with paved shoulder and are also strengthening the existing stretches. In many areas, two lane highways also meet the local requirement and accelerate economic activities,” the source was quoted by the aforementioned publication.

Further, the centre’s upcoming ‘Bharatmala-II’ program of 8500 km will also mostly have greenfield corridors of at least four lanes. The government is working towards formally approving this Rs 3.5 lakh crore worth initiative soon.

Lesser logistical cost and faster movement of goods are the primary reasons behind the increased focus towards wider highways. That reportedly explains the push behind more greenfield highways so that these alignments can be taken away from the congested cities.