The Supreme Court has ruled that walking safely on well‑demarcated footpaths is a fundamental right. This judgment puts pedestrians ahead of motor‑vehicle privilege and forces a rethink of India’s road‑infrastructure planning.
Overview
India now has the world’s second‑largest road network, handling 64 % of freight and 90 % of passenger traffic (MoRTH). The network has grown through three planning phases, each reflecting a shift from basic connectivity to economic integration.
Key Developments
- Phase 1 (1943‑1998): Blueprint stage led by the IRC and its 20‑year Road Development Plans (Nagpur, Bombay, Lucknow). Goal: achieve road‑density targets and classify roads.
- Phase 2 (1998‑2017): Economic liberalisation drives the NHDP. Creation of the Golden Quadrilateral and North‑South‑East‑West Corridors establishes a high‑speed highway backbone.
- Phase 3 (2017‑present): Shift to an integrated grid under the Bharatmala Pariyojana and the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. Emphasis on greenfield corridors and multi‑modal links.
Modernisation Approaches
Two main methods are used:
- Greenfield expressways create fresh routes that bypass congested cities, support logistics parks, and enable speeds up to 120 kmph. They require large land acquisition and multiple clearances.
- Brownfield projects widen four‑lane roads to six or eight lanes, offering quicker relief but facing construction‑while‑traffic challenges.
Implementation Challenges
Key bottlenecks include:
- Land acquisition delays under the 2013 Land Acquisition Act.
- Environmental clearances for forests and wildlife corridors.
- Financing gaps. The HAM revived highway building but shifted long‑term fiscal burden to the public exchequer.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the evolution of road policy helps answer GS III questions on infrastructure, logistics, and economic growth. The Supreme Court judgment links constitutional law (GS II) with urban planning, highlighting the need for pedestrian‑friendly policies. Knowledge of schemes like Bharatmala and PM GatiShakti is essential for questions on public‑private partnership, inter‑modal transport, and sustainable development.
Way Forward
To align with the Supreme Court’s direction, policymakers should:
- Integrate dedicated pedestrian pathways in new greenfield projects.
- Accelerate land‑acquisition reforms and streamline environmental clearances.
- Promote eco‑engineering, wildlife corridors, and safety protocols alongside high‑speed corridors.
- Leverage the digital coordination of the PM GatiShakti platform to avoid project overlaps and ensure multi‑modal connectivity.
Success will be measured not just by kilometres built, but by how safely and sustainably the highways serve people and the economy.