Udaipur, February 27,2025 - The Rajasthan government’s plan to upgrade nearly 4,000 km of state highways to national highways has been pending approval from the central government for the last ten years. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, only 365 km of state roads were converted into national highways in the last five years. No upgrades were recorded in the 2019-20 and 2023-24 financial years.

Over 50 Roads Proposed for Upgrade

Between 2013 and 2018, the state submitted proposals to upgrade more than 50 roads, covering over 4,000 km. While the central ministry initially agreed, no further action has been taken despite multiple requests from the state government.

Criteria for National Highway Status

A senior official stated that the central government evaluates roads based on various factors. These include forming a 100-km national highway grid, improving connectivity in remote areas, reducing travel distances, and boosting industrial and tourism growth. However, Rajasthan's proposals remain stuck.

Ring Roads and Bypass Projects

Apart from highway conversions, the central government and states collaborate on ring roads, bypasses, and elevated corridors in major cities to ease congestion. These projects consider traffic density, road conditions, and alignment with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

A senior UDH official mentioned that NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) has taken charge of ring road projects, significantly reducing heavy traffic in key areas.

Source: Media Reports