ON PLANNING EXPRESSWAY NETWORK IN INDIA

This paper discusses proposed plans for a network of expressways in India. The network is necessary, because high traffic demands along certain routes cannot be met in future by widening existing highways. The expressways will be designed primarily to meet high standards of speed and safety. They will normally have 4-lane or 6-way dual carriageways, with controlled access; the number of lanes can be decided on the basis of expected traffic volumes and desired level of service. Construction of the first expressway, 93km long, between Ahmedabad and Vadodara, has already begun. Investigations and feasibility studies for the proposed expressways are needed, and their potential routes need to be identified. They should be planned to avoid existing urban areas, which should be served by links to the expressways. A broad plan of the Indian expressway network is expected by the end of 1990. Because of their very heavy cost of construction, the expressways will be financed by collecting tolls from their users. It is believed that time savings and other economies will provide drivers with sufficient incentive to pay a reasonable toll. It is envisaged that about ten years will be needed to plan the expressways, acquire their land, and construct them. (TRRL)