Roadmap for Answer Writing
To address the question effectively, use the following roadmap:
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Introduction
- Begin by explaining the importance of roads and highways in the context of India’s physical infrastructure.
- Briefly mention India’s extensive road network and its contribution to the economy (GDP share, transport reliance, etc.).
- State that the sector is a critical driver of infrastructure growth but faces implementation delays.
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Explain How Roads and Highways Drive Infrastructure Growth
- Organize this section with clear subheadings that illustrate the sector’s role:
- Support for Logistics and Supply Chains
- Integration with Multi-modal Transportation
- Facilitation of Urban Development
- Addressing Development Deficits and Regional Integration
- Include relevant facts under each subheading to show the specific ways road infrastructure contributes to broader growth.
- Organize this section with clear subheadings that illustrate the sector’s role:
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Identify Key Factors Behind Project Delays
- Structure this section with subheadings for the major delay factors:
- Financial and Land Acquisition Issues
- Planning and Procurement Delays
- Execution and Decision-making Challenges
- Project Monitoring and Control Shortcomings
- Use specific facts or examples to support each delay factor and give insight into the causes of these delays.
- Structure this section with subheadings for the major delay factors:
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Conclusion
- Summarize the sector’s dual role as an infrastructure growth driver and a sector facing challenges.
- Mention possible solutions, such as better planning, improved land acquisition processes, and enhanced project monitoring, to address delays and achieve growth targets
Model Answer
Roads and Highways Sector: Driving Physical Infrastructure Growth in India
India’s roads and highways sector, with a vast network of approximately 63.72 lakh km (second largest globally), plays a critical role in infrastructure growth by contributing over 3.6% to GDP. Roads support over 85% of passenger traffic and 65% of freight transport, making them a fundamental part of India’s logistics and connectivity. The following factors explain how the sector is anticipated to drive infrastructure growth:
Roads and highways enhance logistics efficiency by reducing transportation costs and improving cargo handling. This improves supply chain management, lowering turn-around times for goods transport and bolstering the overall logistics sector (source: provided content).
Road infrastructure serves as a feeder system for other transportation modes (e.g., railways, airports, and seaports), enabling a seamless multi-modal logistics network and facilitating trade across the country .
New urban centers and satellite towns emerge around road networks, facilitating easy access for the workforce and fostering economic activity in once-remote areas .
Road development in under-served regions allows access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and internet connectivity, further integrating isolated areas. For instance, projects like the Zojila Tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh road open up new economic opportunities in challenging terrains .
Key Factors Causing Delays in Road Infrastructure Projects
Despite these advantages, delays affect 407 of 717 projects in this sector (source: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation). The primary causes of delay include:
Insufficient project feasibility studies, underestimation of costs, and the complex, lengthy land acquisition process hinder timely project initiation.
Delays in site handover, project approvals, contract awards, and machinery procurement further disrupt schedules .
Slow decision-making, weak inter-departmental collaboration, and poor contracting practices lead to project slowdowns .
Ineffective project monitoring, inadequate delay penalties, and insufficient technical staff exacerbate delays.
India’s roads and highways sector is poised for growth, yet overcoming these challenges is vital for realizing timely project completion and sustaining infrastructure development.