Jharkhand’s Infrastructure Development Challenges

Infrastructure development is crucial for economic progress. Post-Covid-19, the Government of India has focused on infrastructure as a driver of investment. Jharkhand is part of this strategy but faces important challenges in road development. The state’s road network is underperforming compared to national averages, impacting both economic growth and the quality of life for its citizens.

Current Road Network Status

Jharkhand’s overall road density is 876 km per thousand square kilometres. This is substantially lower than the national average of 1,520 km. The metalled road density stands at 697 km, while the national average is 1,079 km. These figures indicate a pressing need for improvement in the state’s road infrastructure.

Highway Network Analysis

The highway network in Jharkhand is concerning. The highway density is 174.5 km per thousand square kilometres, below the national average of 281 km. Only 12% of national highways in Jharkhand are four-laned, compared to 23% nationally. Most of the highways, around 80%, are two-laned, while the national average is 52%. This marks a critical need for upgrading and expanding the highway system.

Strategic Development Approaches

To improve infrastructure, Jharkhand should implement the National Bharatmala Programme. This includes developing a Core Road Network and conducting Strategic Option Studies. These steps will help prioritise road development and maintenance. Attracting investments from the central government and private sectors is essential. Non-budgetary sources, such as toll financing, should also be explored.

Overcoming Impediments

Two major challenges hinder travel speed in Jharkhand – railway crossings and highways through urban areas. Building overpasses for railways and creating city bypasses can enhance travel efficiency. The state should also focus on expanding national highways to six lanes and developing expressways, such as the proposed Ram Town to Rajganj Dhanbad connection.

Urban Planning and Safety Measures

Integrated planning for highways in urban agglomerations is necessary for better connectivity. Speedy land acquisition is vital for road projects. The Jharkhand Highways Act, 2005, allows for expedited acquisition, but effective guidelines are needed. Safety must be a priority; upgrading highway designs and implementing Intelligent Transportation Systems will enhance safety and operational efficiency.

Preparing for Future Technologies

Jharkhand must prepare for emerging transportation technologies. This includes establishing electric vehicle charging infrastructure and solar-powered lighting. Capacity building for engineers and adopting technology-driven solutions will facilitate smoother implementation of infrastructure projects.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Estimate the impact of road infrastructure on economic growth in underdeveloped regions.
2. Critically discuss the role of the National Bharatmala Programme in enhancing India’s highway network.
3. Examine the challenges faced by states in land acquisition for infrastructure projects.
4. Point out the significance of Intelligent Transportation Systems in improving highway safety and efficiency.

Answer Hints:

1. Estimate the impact of road infrastructure on economic growth in underdeveloped regions.

1. Road infrastructure enhances accessibility, reducing travel time and costs for goods and services.
2. Improved roads attract investments, boosting local businesses and creating jobs.
3. Better connectivity facilitates trade and market access, essential for economic development.
4. Road infrastructure contributes to social development by improving access to education and healthcare.
5. Regions with developed road networks often experience higher GDP growth rates compared to those without.

2. Critically discuss the role of the National Bharatmala Programme in enhancing India’s highway network.

1. The Bharatmala Programme aims to optimize the efficiency of freight and passenger movement across the country.
2. It focuses on developing a Core Road Network to improve connectivity in economically important areas.
3. The programme encourages public-private partnerships to mobilize investments for highway construction and maintenance.
4. It includes strategic studies to identify priority projects based on traffic demand and economic potential.
5. Overall, Bharatmala aims to address regional disparities in highway infrastructure, promoting balanced economic growth.

3. Examine the challenges faced by states in land acquisition for infrastructure projects.

1. Lengthy bureaucratic processes often delay land acquisition, hindering project timelines.
2. Resistance from local communities due to displacement and compensation issues complicates acquisition efforts.
3. Legal challenges and disputes over land ownership can lead to prolonged litigation.
4. Lack of clear guidelines and effective implementation of existing laws, such as the Jharkhand Highways Act, can create barriers.
5. Inadequate financial resources for fair compensation further complicate the land acquisition process.

4. Point out the significance of Intelligent Transportation Systems in improving highway safety and efficiency.

1. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) enhance real-time traffic management, reducing congestion and accidents.
2. ITS can provide critical data for road maintenance, leading to timely repairs and increased safety.
3. Implementation of smart traffic signals and surveillance systems improves compliance with road safety regulations.
4. ITS facilitates better communication between vehicles and infrastructure, promoting coordinated traffic flow.
5. Adopting ITS prepares highways for future technologies, such as autonomous vehicles, enhancing overall efficiency.