India's Infrastructure Revamp: 34 New Ring Roads Planned

The Central government has announced plans to develop 34 new access-controlled Ring Roads across rapidly growing urban areas, in addition to 36 similar projects already underway. Aimed at easing traffic congestion, these greenfield corridors are designed for high-speed travel (100–120 km/h) and will serve cities and urban agglomerations with populations exceeding five lakh—including Kolkata, Amaravati, Nashik, Thiruvananthapuram, Ajmer, Warangal, and Tirunelveli.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) presented the detailed plan to state governments, seeking their cooperation for swift execution. To prevent future traffic bottlenecks, a Development Control Zone (DCZ) of 15 metres on either side of the roads will be established, where construction will be restricted to public utilities and green spaces.

Additionally, regulated development will be permitted in a zone extending up to two kilometres beyond the DCZ. States have been offered multiple funding models, such as:

Sharing 50% of project costs in return for 50% of toll revenue over 15 years,

Bearing 50% of land acquisition costs, or

Contributing pooled land.

The initiative was discussed in a high-level meeting chaired by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.