Development of Transport in India: Road, Rail, Water, and Air Routes

Introduction

Among the most intricate and well-established transportation infrastructures in the

world is India, which enables more than one billion citizens and a broad range of
goods to be transported. The country’s economic as well as social development has
been significantly affected by its transportation infrastructure development. This
project will explore significant events and problems concerning air, rail, road, and
water transport in India from past to present.

Road Transport

India’s transportation network is largely road transport based, which accounts for
about 60% of freight traffic and over 85% of passenger traffic. The second largest
globally with an extension of more than 6.3 million km. Sher Shah Suri built the
Grand Trunk road that connected Kabul to Chittagong during ancient time.
Nevertheless, expansion has been huge since independence.

*Historical Development*

After independence, rural connectivity for agricultural growth and social cohesion
was given priority. A significant milestone towards improving and expanding
national highways came into play in 1988 through the establishment of the National
Highways Authority of India (NHAI). In 1998, when the National Highways
Development Project (NHDP) was initiated it became a turning point in this regard
as it sought to upgrade and widen the national highway network.

*Modernization and Expansion*

Bharatmala Pariyojana:
Bharatmala Pariyojana is an umbrella programme, initiated in 2017, that is meant to
connect critical infrastructure gaps and improve the efficiency of freight and passenger
movement across the country. The most important features include:

● Development of 34,800km of highway.

● Establishment of 44 economic corridors for linking industrial hubs together.
● Construction of feeders and inter-corridor routes to enhance connectivity.
● Border and international connectivity roads will be built.

Green Highways Policy:

This policy aims at developing green corridors along highways through tree plantation
for enhancing aesthetics as well as environmental benefits. It makes it mandatory to
allocate 1% of the total project cost of National Highways towards such plantation and
maintenance.

Smart Highways:

Smart highways represent a concept that involves using modern technologies such as
intelligent transport systems (ITS) to upgrade traffic management, safety on roads as
well as availability of information in real time for commuters like electronic toll collection,
traffic monitoring emergency response system among others.

Challenges

However, despite significant advances made in this segment; road transportation also
faces some problems including; poor maintenance of existing roads; congestion; high
incidence rate of road accidents. These difficulties can only be tackled by increasing
investment or improving management

Current National Highways and Expressways

National Highways

The backbone of India’s road transport system is its national highways. These highways
are crucial for long distance travel and important for economic activities because they
link goods and people within the country. By 2024, India’s national highway network
would stretch over 142,000 kilometers, which shows a significant increase in the
previous years.

​Main National Highways:

1. NH 44: This road extends to more than four thousand kilometers from Srinagar
up north to Kanyakumari down south making it the longest national road in India.
2. NH 48: It passes through cities like Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bangalore
before linking Delhi to Chennai.
3. NH 19: Passing through Agra, Varanasi and Patna among others connect Delhi
to Kolkata.

Key Initiatives and Projects:

● Golden Quadrilateral: This is a quadrilateral made up of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai

and Kolkata that are connected by a system of highways. One of the most
ambitious projects under NHDP was this one which is about 5,846 kms long.
● North-South and East-West Corridors: These corridors form part of NHDP
connecting Srinagar to Kanyakumari (North-South) and Silchar in Assam to
Porbandar in Gujarat (East-West), covering approximately 7,300 kilometers.

Expressways

Expressways in India are high-speed roadways designed for faster and more
efficient movement of traffic with controlled access. These roads are crucial for
reducing travel time between major cities and boosting economic growth.

*Major Expressways:*

1. Yamuna Expressway: This expressway is another upcoming residential market

spread over 165 km connecting Greater Noida and Agra. It has cut down time from
Delhi to Agra drastically.

2. Mumbai-Pune Expressway: India's first six-lane concrete, high-speed expressway,

spanning over 94.5 km connecting Mumbai and Pune.
3. Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: This is India's longest expressway under construction
and will span for about 1,320 kilometers. This project is supposed to cut the time
taken to travel between Delhi and Mumbai to almost 12 hours.

4. Purvanchal Expressway: A 340-kilometre (211 mi) long greenfield expressway in

the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, house Lucknow to Ghazipur. This will serve the
objective of spurring development in the eastern parts of our state.

5. Western Peripheral Expressway (Kundli-Manesar-Palwal or KMP Expressway):

135km long, this expressway is part of the ring road system in the Delhi NCR region,
which helps in reducing traffic congestion.

*Upcoming Projects:*

- *Ganga Expressway*: A proposed 1,020-kilometer expressway in Uttar Pradesh,

connecting Meerut with Prayagraj. It is expected to be one of the longest
expressways in India.
- *Bangalore-Chennai Expressway*: A 262-kilometer expressway that aims to
reduce travel time between Bangalore and Chennai.
- *Dwarka Expressway*: Also known as the Northern Peripheral Road, this
expressway in the Delhi NCR region is aimed at decongesting the Delhi-Gurgaon
stretch.

Rail Transport

Rail transport in India is one of the oldest and most extensive railway networks in
the world. The Indian Railways, a state-owned enterprise, operates the country's
rail network, covering over 67,000 kilometers and serving millions of passengers
daily.

*Historical Development*
The first railway line in India was established in 1853 between Mumbai and Thane.
Post-independence, the focus was on nationalizing the railways and expanding the
network to integrate the country. Significant milestones include the introduction of
electric trains, the development of metro systems in major cities, and the
modernization of infrastructure.

*Modernization and Expansion*

In recent years, Indian Railways has undertaken several modernization initiatives.

The introduction of high-speed trains, such as the Gatimaan Express and the
upcoming bullet trains, represents a significant leap forward. The Dedicated Freight
Corridor (DFC) project aims to create specialized freight corridors to improve the
efficiency and speed of freight transport.

Railway and Metro Systems in Delhi NCR and Major cities

Delhi NCR Metro

The Delhi Metro, inaugurated in 2002, revolutionized urban transport in the

National Capital Region (NCR). Operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation
(DMRC), it spans over 389 kilometers, covering Delhi and its adjoining cities—Noida,
Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, and Faridabad. With features like air-conditioned coaches,
automatic ticketing, and advanced signaling systems, it has significantly reduced
travel time, eased congestion, and lowered pollution levels.

Other Major Cities

*Bengaluru Metro (Namma Metro):* Launched in 2011, Namma Metro is

Karnataka's first metro system. Currently, it spans around 55 kilometers, with
ongoing expansions aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the IT hub.

*Mumbai Metro:* Operational since 2014, it complements the suburban railway

network. The metro currently covers about 12 kilometers, with multiple lines under
construction to improve connectivity across the sprawling city.
*Kolkata Metro:* India's first metro, it began in 1984. The network spans around 33
kilometers, with new lines being developed to enhance east-west connectivity.

*Chennai Metro:* Inaugurated in 2015, it covers 45 kilometers, focusing on

reducing traffic woes in the southern metropolis. Expansion projects are underway
to extend its reach.

*Hyderabad Metro:* Launched in 2017, it covers over 69 kilometers, making it one

of the largest metro networks in India. It plays a crucial role in decongesting road
traffic and promoting public transport.

These metro systems are integral to urban mobility, offering efficient, reliable, and
eco-friendly alternatives to traditional road transport.

*Challenges*

The rail transport sector faces challenges such as outdated infrastructure, capacity
constraints, and safety concerns. Addressing these challenges requires substantial
investment in infrastructure, technology upgrades, and improved management
practices.

Water Transport

Water transport in India includes both inland and coastal shipping. India has a vast
network of inland waterways, including rivers, canals, and backwaters, and a long
coastline of over 7,500 kilometers.

*Historical Development*

Water transport has been used in India for centuries, particularly for trade and
commerce. Post-independence, the focus was on developing major ports and
improving inland waterways. The establishment of the Inland Waterways Authority
of India (IWAI) in 1986 marked a significant step towards developing and regulating
inland water transport.

*Modernization and Expansion*

In recent years, the government has launched several initiatives to develop water
transport. The Sagarmala project, initiated in 2015, aims to modernize ports and
enhance port connectivity. The National Waterways Act of 2016 declared 111
waterways as National Waterways, aiming to improve infrastructure and promote
commercial navigation.

*Challenges*

Despite its potential, water transport in India faces challenges such as inadequate
infrastructure, silting of waterways, and competition from road and rail transport.
Addressing these issues requires increased investment, better maintenance of
waterways, and the promotion of water transport as a viable alternative.

Air Transport

Air transport in India has witnessed remarkable growth over the past few decades,
becoming one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world. The sector
includes both domestic and international flights, serving millions of passengers
annually.

*Historical Development*

Air transport in India began in the early 20th century, with the establishment of
Tata Airlines in 1932. Post-independence, the sector saw the nationalization of
airlines and the establishment of Air India. The liberalization of the aviation sector
in the 1990s marked a turning point, leading to the entry of private players and
significant growth.

*Modernization and Expansion*

In recent years, the Indian government has undertaken several initiatives to
develop the aviation sector. The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme,
launched in 2017, aims to enhance regional connectivity by making air travel
affordable. The development of greenfield airports, modernization of existing
airports, and the introduction of advanced air navigation systems are key focus
areas.

Private Airlines

India's aviation sector has seen remarkable growth, driven by the liberalization
policies of the 1990s, which allowed private airlines to enter the market. Today,
private carriers dominate the Indian skies, contributing significantly to the country's
economic and connectivity landscape.

*IndiGo:* Launched in 2006, IndiGo is the largest airline in India by market share
and fleet size. Known for its low-cost model and punctuality, it operates extensive
domestic and international routes.

*SpiceJet:* Established in 2005, SpiceJet is another major low-cost carrier. It serves

numerous domestic and international destinations, known for competitive pricing
and customer-centric services.

*Vistara:* A joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, Vistara
commenced operations in 2015. It offers premium services and operates both
domestic and international flights.

*Go First (formerly GoAir):* Operating since 2005, Go First is a budget airline
focusing on efficiency and reliability. It serves many domestic destinations and a
few international routes.

*AirAsia India:* A subsidiary of the Malaysian low-cost airline AirAsia, it began

operations in 2014, providing affordable travel options across various Indian cities.
Major Airports in India

*Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi):* The busiest airport in India, serving as
a key hub for international and domestic flights.

*Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai):* Another major

airport, handling a significant volume of passenger and cargo traffic.

*Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru):* A rapidly growing airport, crucial

for the IT industry and international connectivity.

*Chennai International Airport:* A major gateway to southern India, handling

extensive domestic and international traffic.

*Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata):* A key airport in

eastern India, serving as a vital connection for international flights, particularly to
Southeast Asia.

Airports on the border

- *Amritsar (Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport):* Close to the
India-Pakistan border, it is significant for international flights, particularly for the
Punjabi diaspora.

- *Leh (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport):* One of the highest airports in the
world, crucial for military and civilian connectivity in the northern region.

- *Agartala (Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport):* Near the India-Bangladesh border, it

plays a vital role in connecting the northeastern states with the rest of India.

*Challenges*
The air transport sector faces challenges such as high operational costs,
infrastructure constraints, and regulatory hurdles. Addressing these challenges
requires investment in infrastructure, policy reforms, and measures to improve
operational efficiency.

Conclusion

The development of transport infrastructure in India is crucial for the country's

economic growth and social development. Significant progress has been made in
expanding and modernizing road, rail, water, and air transport. However, several
challenges remain, requiring continuous investment, policy reforms, and the
adoption of advanced technologies. By addressing these challenges, India can
further enhance its transport infrastructure, promoting economic development and
improving the quality of life for its citizens.