Policy Targets 48 Cities for Decongestion
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has introduced a comprehensive decongestion policy aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in 48 cities and state capitals across India. The policy addresses the severe congestion on national highways caused by growing traffic volumes and unplanned urban expansion along highway corridors.
Impact of Congestion on Economy and Environment
According to the ministry, congestion on national highways around urban areas adversely affects the efficient movement of goods and passengers, leading to increased fuel consumption, travel delays, higher logistics costs, and environmental pollution. An earlier study of 83 cities with populations over five lakh found that highway traffic speed dropped by more than 10 per cent inside the city in 80 of them. Of these, congestion relief measures like bypasses and ring roads were already being implemented in 32 cities, while 48 cities still required planning for interventions.
Framework for Urban Decongestion
The policy seeks to establish a framework for urban decongestion through the development of national highway ring roads and bypasses. It simultaneously promotes planned urban growth, effective mobility management, and value capture mechanisms in partnership with state governments. The main objectives include decongesting roads and highways in and around urban agglomerations, improving logistics efficiency, reducing transportation costs, supporting industrial and economic growth by unlocking new development potential, and enhancing the overall quality of life for urban residents.
Cost-Sharing Arrangements with States
The Centre aims to encourage greater participation from states through a 50:50 cost-sharing arrangement for land acquisition. Alternatively, state governments may choose to bear 25 per cent of the land acquisition cost and receive reimbursement of the state GST (SGST) component, as well as royalties on minerals. States may also contribute land for bypass or ring road projects through land pooling, wherein land is provided by landowners. Additionally, state governments can facilitate development permissions for land parcels located adjacent to the proposed bypass or ring road alignments.
Design Standards for New Corridors
The policy mandates that all national highway urban decongestion projects, such as ring roads and bypasses, will be developed as fully access-controlled corridors with a minimum of four lanes and closed tolling systems. This will help maintain high travel speed of 100-120 kmph for both freight and passenger vehicles over the long term, preventing ribbon development and ensuring smooth movement of through traffic.
Green Zone Designation
State governments will designate a 15-metre prohibited development zone on both sides of NH bypasses and ring roads as a green zone under town planning laws. No development will be allowed in this area except for essential public transport facilities, utility infrastructure (such as electricity, water and sewerage pipelines), and green infrastructure.
Long-Term Vision for Urban Expansion
By addressing congestion and promoting integrated, coordinated and sustainable urban expansion, this policy will contribute to a more efficient NH network, driving forward the nation’s economic and social progress. The policy has been designed keeping in mind urbanisation over the next 50 years.
