MoS Finance Highlights The Transformative Achievements Of The NDA Government In The Last 10 Years

New Delhi, December 13 (TNA) The Union Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary on Friday highlighted the transformative strides in India's infrastructure sector under the “visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last 10 years”, making it a decade of transformation and progress. Interacting with the media at his official residence in the union capital the minister pointed out how from roads to railways to civil aviation, the country's

infrastructural landscape has seen unprecedented growth, fostering connectivity, economic development, and improved quality of life.

This decade has laid the foundation stone for Amrit Kaal for Bharat. The Finance Ministry has allocated signifcant funds to support this growth, ensuring strong fscal backing over the next fve years while balancing other priorities and fiscal consolidation. An allocation of ₹11,11,111 crore for capital expenditure, which is 3.4 percent of GDP, has been made this year.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has overseen a phenomenal expansion of India’s National Highway network, boosting connectivity and enhancing economic opportunities. The length of the National Highway network has grown 1.6 times from 91,287 km in 2014 to 1,46,195 km as of November 2024. Under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, out of a planned 34,800 km, 18,714 km has been completed, he underlined. Additionally, the length of National High-Speed Corridors (HSC) has increased from 93 km in 2014 to 2,474 km in 2024, he said.

National Highways with four or more lanes have risen from 18,300 km in 2014 to approximately 45,900 km in 2024, marking an almost 2.5-fold increase. To promote seamless freight movement and cost-efective transportation, 35 locations have been identifed, with six Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) projects awarded and tendering in progress for three more, the MoS said further.

The Union Minister pointed out that the Ministry of Civil Aviation has driven India’s emergence as a global powerhouse in the aviation sector, connecting people and fostering growth. The number of operational airports has more than doubled, from 74 in 2014 to 158 in 2024. The UDAN scheme has successfully launched operations on 613 routes, connecting 87 airports and promoting regional connectivity. Under the DigiYatra initiative, contactless and seamless travel has become a reality, with Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) implemented at 24 airports.

Furthermore, India has become the third-largest domestic aviation market globally. Pankaj Chaudhary further informed that the Ministry of Railways has undergone a massive transformation, focusing on electrifcation, modern infrastructure, and enhanced passenger experiences. Over 96% of the Dedicated Freight Corridor project has been completed. The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) is fully complete, while the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) is in its fnal stages of completion, the minister further highlighted.

“A remarkable 97% of Indian Railways routes have been electrifed, promoting sustainability and efciency. Under the Amrit Bharat Yojana, 1,337 stations across the country are being redeveloped to world-class standards. This is a unique railway station redevelopment programme in whole world. The launch of 68 Vande Bharat Express trains, two Amrit Bharat trains, and one Namo Bharat Rapid Rail has revolutionized rail travel, enhancing speed and passenger comfort” Chaudhary stated.