Government Boosts Logistics Capacity with ₹23 Lakh Crore Highway Projects: MoS Finance

Choudhary highlighted that highways projects worth ₹23 lakh crore are currently under implementation, alongside plans for 35 multi-modal logistics parks across the country. “Since 2014, the Modi government has prioritized infrastructure development across sectors like roads, railways, and aviation. These efforts have not only eased lives but also positively impacted the economy,” said Choudhary during a briefing. He added that even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, infrastructure received focused attention, underscoring its importance as the backbone of any economy.

Providing details on the projects, Choudhary stated, “Road projects spanning 32,920 km, worth ₹23 lakh crore, are under construction. Additionally, 35 locations have been identified for developing multi-modal logistics parks to meet the long-term economic vision for 2047.” However, Choudhary’s remarks come against the backdrop of slowing capital expenditure (capex) utilization by ministries. As of October, ministries have utilized ₹4.66 lakh crore, or 42%, of the ₹11.1 lakh crore allocated for 2024-25, a dip from last year’s 54.7% capex utilization during the same period. Spending by the Ministry of Highways has decreased, while expenditure by the Railway Ministry has remained flat. Addressing concerns about the subdued fund utilization, Choudhary attributed delays in highway construction to challenges in land acquisition, a critical bottleneck in executing large-scale projects.

Despite these hurdles, the government remains committed to scaling up infrastructure and expediting logistics projects to strengthen India’s economic foundations.