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According to the National Highway Authority of India, expressway construction begins with land acquisition. These greenfield projects are designed as access-controlled highways from the start
The cost of building an expressway is significantly higher than upgrading an existing highway. (Representative/PTI File)
The construction of expressways across the country has significantly eased travel, saving both time and money for commuters. This development is complemented by the construction of access-controlled highways in numerous locations. However, the pace of expressway construction lags behind that of access-controlled highways. Let us understand the reason behind this:
At present, construction of five expressways and 22 access-controlled highways is underway in the country. This means approximately 25 per cent of the ongoing highway construction comprises expressways, compared to access-controlled highways. The target completion date for all expressways is set for 2025–26, while the access-controlled highways are expected to be ready by 2026–27.
Why are fewer expressways being built?
According to the National Highway Authority of India, building expressways is a complex process, starting with land acquisition. These multi-step projects are typically greenfield developments, constructed outside of existing urban areas. While any highway can be upgraded to access-controlled status, expressways are built to this standard from the outset.
However, the cost of building an expressway is significantly higher than upgrading an existing highway. This factor, along with the complexities of land acquisition, contributes to the focus on developing access-controlled highways rather than entirely new expressways. Although construction standards differ, both types of roads share some similarities.
What is the difference between the two?
An access-controlled highway has limited entry points, similar to an expressway. However, there are distinctions between the two. The width of a highway lane is 3.5 metres, while an expressway lane is slightly wider at 3.75 metres.
The side shoulder of a highway (the part after the road that is covered with soil) is 1.5 metres, while an expressway’s side shoulder is wider at 3 metres.
Typically, highways have four lanes and connect major cities. Expressways serve a similar purpose but tend to be longer in length.
Number of Highways and Expressways
According to the central government, India currently has a total of 599 highways, spanning approximately 1.32 lakh kilometres. The longest among them is National Highway 44, stretching 3,745 kilometres from Srinagar to Kanyakumari. Currently, India has 23 operational expressways.
