Tag: Nitin Gadkari

National

India Builds 10,660 km of National Highways in FY25; Greenfield Expressways Gain Momentum

Tanisha Cardozo

In a major boost to its infrastructure development drive, India has constructed 10,660 kilometers of National Highways during the financial year 2024–25, according to government data. With this addition, the total length of National Highways in the country has risen to 146,342 kilometers, a significant jump from 91,287 kilometers in 2014.

The average pace of construction in FY25 stood at 29 km per day. While this is slightly lower than FY24’s rate of 34 km/day, it is an improvement over FY23’s pace of 28 km/day.

Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, emphasized the transformative growth in India’s access-controlled road infrastructure. The total length of high-speed corridors and expressways has now increased from just 93 km in March 2014 to around 5,110 km as of July 2025.

In response to a separate question in the Rajya Sabha, the Minister elaborated on the government’s strategic focus on greenfield access-controlled expressways as a means to significantly enhance logistics efficiency across the country.
Highlights from his reply include:

  • 26 Greenfield corridors covering ~7,500 km have been awarded
  • 600 km more has been approved
  • Approximately 4,800 km of these corridors have already been constructed
  • 2,636 km is currently operational
  • Remaining sections will be phased in over the next two years

These developments mark a strong pivot toward modern, high-speed, and logistics-friendly infrastructure, underscoring the government’s commitment to an efficient and future-ready transport ecosystem. The progress in expressways and highways not only improves connectivity but also significantly reduces travel time, enhances freight movement, and catalyzes regional development.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Govt Introduces FASTag-Based Annual Pass for Private Vehicles at ₹3,000 from August 15

allycaralgoa

New Delhi, June 18, 2025 – In a move aimed at enhancing commuter convenience and reducing toll payment hassles, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced the launch of a FASTag-based Annual Pass priced at ₹3,000, effective from August 15, 2025.

The pass is designed exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans, and is valid for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips—whichever comes first. This initiative is expected to streamline toll payments for regular inter-city travelers, daily commuters, and long-distance private motorists.

What Is the FASTag Annual Pass?

The new FASTag-based pass is a prepaid digital product linked directly to a user’s FASTag account. Once purchased and activated, it allows eligible vehicle owners to make 200 toll plaza trips over the course of 12 months without repeated deductions from their FASTag balance.

Key Features:

  • Price: ₹3,000
  • Eligibility: Private vehicles only (cars, jeeps, vans)
  • Validity: 1 year from activation or 200 trips (whichever is earlier)
  • Activation Mode: Via NHAI-approved FASTag issuing banks or portals

Minister’s Vision

“This pass is a step toward greater ease of travel for private vehicle owners,” tweeted Union Minister @nitin_gadkari. “It will simplify toll payments for frequent travelers and reduce congestion and waiting time at toll booths.”

The initiative aligns with the government’s ongoing commitment to digital India, green mobility, and efficient transport infrastructure. It also supports the broader use of FASTag, which has already become mandatory for all vehicles since 2021.

Who Benefits?

  • Daily commuters between cities or towns
  • Weekend travelers and tourists
  • Long-distance drivers using national highways regularly
  • Individuals looking to budget toll expenses in advance

How to Apply

Vehicle owners can apply for the FASTag Annual Pass through:

  • Official FASTag issuing banks
  • NHAI and NPCI-supported portals
  • Authorized FASTag mobile apps or customer service centers

The Ministry is also expected to roll out awareness and information campaigns to assist users in understanding the purchase and activation process before August 15.

Impact on Travel

The Annual Pass is expected to:

  • Offer cost savings to frequent travelers
  • Encourage more seamless highway journeys
  • Reduce cash transactions at toll booths
  • Promote digital toll payment adoption


As India continues to modernize its highway infrastructure, the introduction of the FASTag-based Annual Pass adds another user-friendly layer to toll collection. With travel demand increasing and digital payments becoming mainstream, this initiative reflects a commuter-first approach in road transport policy.

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🌉 Goa’s Zuari Bridge to Get Eiffel Tower-Inspired Observatory Towers with Panoramic Views, Restaurant & Art Gallery

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A Spectacular New Icon is Rising Over the Zuari River

NEW DELHI: Goa is set to gain a stunning new tourist landmark with the announcement of Eiffel Tower-inspired observatory towers atop the new Zuari Bridge. Designed to become a world-class attraction, the towers will offer breathtaking 360-degree views of Goa’s serene landscape, along with an array of features that promise to elevate the tourist experience in the state.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, all necessary approvals for the project have been secured, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will lay the foundation stone at a ceremony this Friday.

🗼 An Engineering Marvel in the Making

The observatory towers will rise to a height of 125 meters, positioned between the main pylons of the iconic Zuari Bridge. The design takes inspiration from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, bringing an architectural marvel to India’s western coastline.

The towers will include:

  • 🌍 Panoramic Viewing Gallery
  • 🍽️ Revolving Restaurant with views over the Arabian Sea
  • 🖼️ Art Gallery showcasing Goan heritage and contemporary works
  • ☕ Cafeteria for refreshments
  • 🚡 Capsule Lifts for a smooth scenic ascent
  • 🚶‍♀️ Walkway Bridges on both sides of the marine section of the bridge
  • 🅿️ Parking facilities at both ends of the bridge

The shaft dimensions of each tower are 8.5 x 5.5 meters, and the upper floors will include spacious public areas for dining and sightseeing. The 7.5-meter-wide walkway bridges will allow seamless access across the marine portion, enhancing both utility and aesthetics.

🔧 Public-Private Partnership at Work

The ₹2,270 crore project will be developed and operated by a private concessionaire under a 50-year lease, ensuring zero financial burden on the government. The government will receive a share of revenue generated from operations, including ticketing, retail, and hospitality services.

This innovative public-private partnership not only enables world-class infrastructure development but also ensures long-term economic benefits and sustainable tourism growth for the region.

🇮🇳 A New Face for Goan Tourism

Goa has long been known for its beaches, heritage, and vibrant culture. The addition of this architectural landmark to the state’s touristic profile is expected to diversify its offerings, attracting both domestic and international visitors.

“This is not just an infrastructure upgrade – it’s a statement of India’s tourism vision, integrating engineering excellence with cultural experience,” the ministry stated.

🏗️ Project Timeline & Vision

  • 🛠️ Estimated Completion Time: 5 years
  • 📍 Location: Atop the New Zuari Bridge, Goa
  • 💰 Estimated Cost: ₹2,270 crore
  • 🤝 Model: PPP with revenue-sharing
  • 🏗️ Towers: Two, each 125 meters tall

As construction gets underway, Goa moves a step closer to becoming a hub for architectural tourism and cultural showcase—not just in India, but globally.

✨ A Bridge Between Past and Future

The Zuari Bridge observatory towers represent more than infrastructure — they symbolize India’s aspirations in tourism, technology, and innovation. With panoramic views, elevated dining, and immersive cultural spaces, this project aims to turn a transit point into a destination in itself.

Politics

Innovative Proposal: Indian Musical Instruments as Vehicle Horns

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Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has proposed a groundbreaking law that would require vehicle horns to use traditional Indian musical instruments. This initiative aims to reduce noise pollution and promote India’s rich cultural heritage.


The proposal suggests replacing traditional vehicle horns with sounds from Indian musical instruments, such as:

  • Flute: A soothing and melodious sound that could replace the harsh noise of traditional horns.
  • Tabla: A percussion instrument that could add a rhythmic touch to vehicle horns.
  • Violin: A string instrument that could produce a pleasant and harmonious sound.
  • Harmonium: A keyboard instrument that could create a unique and melodious sound.


The primary objectives of this proposal are:

  • Reduce noise pollution: By replacing traditional horns with musical sounds, the proposal aims to decrease noise pollution in urban areas.
  • Promote Indian culture: The initiative seeks to promote India’s rich cultural heritage by incorporating traditional musical instruments into everyday life.
  • Enhance road safety: The proposal also aims to ensure that vehicle horns are used judiciously and do not contribute to noise pollution.


If implemented, the proposal would require significant changes to the automotive industry. Vehicle manufacturers would need to design and install new horn systems that incorporate Indian musical instruments. Additionally, there would be a need for standardization and regulation to ensure that the musical horns meet safety and noise pollution standards.


The proposal to use Indian musical instruments as vehicle horns is an innovative and unique initiative. While there are challenges to implementation, the potential benefits to noise pollution and cultural promotion make it an interesting concept worth exploring further.