Issues and Challenges:

1. Regional Imbalance in Connectivity: The Dr. Nanjudappa Report highlights significant regional disparities in road connectivity, which exacerbate economic and social imbalances across Karnataka.
2. Core Road Network Development: Karnataka has identified a Core Road Network comprising 35,212 km, which includes 7,332 km of National Highways (NH) and 27,880 km of State Highways (SH). The development and maintenance of this extensive network pose substantial logistical and financial challenges.
3. Increased Vehicular Population: As of November 2023, Karnataka’s vehicular population has surged to 31 million registered vehicles. This rise necessitates road widening and upgrades to handle increased traffic volumes effectively. Currently, only 38% of NHs and 2.4% of SHs are four-lane roads, indicating a substantial need for expansion.
4. National Highway Development: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is focused on expanding NHs to four or six lanes. Projects covering 1,272 km are under progress, with a total expenditure of Rs. 34,386 crore and additional proposals amounting to Rs. 93,349 crore. Managing these large-scale projects while minimizing disruption and ensuring timely completion remains a challenge.
5. State Highways and Major District Roads: Many SHs and Major District Roads (MDRs) are constrained by their single-lane widths. Specifically, 23% of SHs and 79% of MDRs are single-lane, necessitating significant upgrades to improve capacity and safety.
6. Upgradation of Roads: Following the Dr. D.M. Nanjudappa report, 226 MDRs (totaling 9,601 km) have been upgraded to SHs, and 1,329 village roads (15,510.68 km) have been elevated to MDR status. Despite these efforts, the road infrastructure still faces challenges in terms of quality and maintenance.
7. Planning and Asset Management: The establishment of the Public Road Asset Management Committee (PRAMC) aims to improve planning and management of road assets. However, implementing effective asset management practices remains a significant challenge.

Way Forward:

1. Enhanced Regional Connectivity: Implement targeted infrastructure projects to address regional imbalances identified in the Dr. Nanjudappa Report. Focus on connecting remote and economically disadvantaged areas to major transport hubs.
2. Comprehensive Road Network Upgradation: Accelerate the development of the Core Road Network, prioritizing the expansion of NHs and SHs to multi-lane configurations. Increase investment in upgrading single-lane SHs and MDRs to improve traffic flow and safety.
3. Strategic Planning and Execution: Improve project planning and execution by adopting advanced technologies and project management practices. This includes the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for planning and monitoring, and implementing robust project management frameworks.
4. Sustainable Financing: Explore diverse financing mechanisms, such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and international funding, to support road development and maintenance. Ensure transparent allocation of funds to avoid delays and cost overruns.
5. Maintenance and Asset Management: Strengthen the role of the PRAMC in road asset management by implementing regular maintenance schedules and monitoring road conditions. Utilize data-driven approaches for asset management to ensure timely repairs and upgrades.
6. Road Safety Enhancements: The Karnataka Road Safety Policy-2015 targets a 25% reduction in accidents and a 30% reduction in fatalities by 2020. While 713 black spots have been rectified and 229 are in progress, ensuring ongoing safety improvements is crucial
7. Community Involvement: Engage local communities in road planning and maintenance processes. Local feedback can provide valuable insights into road usage patterns and help prioritize road improvements based on actual needs.
8. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of road development projects and safety initiatives. Regularly review and update strategies based on performance metrics and emerging challenges.

By addressing these issues through a comprehensive and strategic approach, Karnataka can enhance its road infrastructure, improve connectivity, and ensure safer travel for its residents.