The Bumpy Road Industry In India
Ar Apurva Bose Dutta
The Road Sector– An Attractive Investment
India has the second largest road network in the world and is bound to require huge investments in the coming years. The road network comprises of national and state highways, major district roads, expressways, rural and other roads. According to statistics provided by The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, roads remain the most important means of transport, accounting for 85% and 65% of passenger and freight traffic, respectively, in India. The Road Sector thus appears to be the most attractive investment in the infrastructural sector.The Road Sector in India has witnessed a lot of highs and lows in the past five years. Few years back India faced the wrath of poor level of infrastructure. According to the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Index, India's infrastructure was placed at the 91st rank out of 139 nations. The Road Sector which was on a low priority for the Government initially has gradually started demanding everyone's attention'. Thus after experiencing a slowdown from 2008–10, positive signs of revival have been hinted at since 2011. Infact, the total project costs awarded in 2011–12 has been the highest ever for the Indian Road Sector.
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NBM&CW September 2012