On Thursday, Parliament was informed that country has more than 21 crore two-wheelers and over 7 crore four-wheelers and above category of vehicles registered.
VAHAN Data
As per the centralized data base – VAHAN, Road Transport and Highways minister Nitin Gadkari in a written reply to the Lok Sabha said that as on August 3, 2022 out of the total vehicles, 5,44,643 are electric two-wheelers while 54,252 are electric four-wheelers.
It was further revealed that there were 2,95,245 two-wheelers and 18,47,539 four-wheeler and above category of vehicles with fuel types of CNG, ethanol, fuel cell hydrogen, LNG, LPG, solar, methanol etc.
Answering a question pertaining to development and maintenance of National Highways, he said that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is primarily responsible. These highways are generally maintained in traffic-worthy condition.
Due to flooding, landslides, heavy downpour etc., damages occur during the rainy season occur to National Highways. He added that the restoration works are promptly carried out and traffic restored to normal.
Speaking of the development and upgradation of National Highways, minister said that it is a continuous process.
Other Key Projects by MoRTH
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is said to been taking up projects such as the construction of expressways, capacity upgradation of existing National Highways, rehabilitation and reconstruction of existing pavements, rehabilitation and reconstruction of existing bridges and structures and construction of Road Over Bridges (RoBs) on existing National Highways depending upon traffic demand.
The foundation stone of five road projects, totaling to 2300 crore was laid by Gadkari in the last month. Once complete these would attract investments and these projects are being touted as a major source for employment during the construction phase, in addition to the obvious benefits like smooth and quick road movements.