35,000 km of national highways will be built by 2022: President Ram Nath Kovind

New Delhi: Terming infrastructure as pivotal in propelling prosperity and growth, President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday said the government's endeavour is to build 35,000 km of highways, besides expressways, by 2022 and to lay a strong foundation for urban infrastructure that will encourage employment generation.

Addressing the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, the President said massive work to create infrastructure is underway, and electric vehicles (EVs) are being promoted to reduce pollution.

"Under the 'Bharatmala Project', construction or upgradation of about 35,000 kilometres of national highways is to be undertaken by 2022. In addition, under the 'Sagarmala Project', a network of good-quality roads is being constructed in coastal areas and areas adjoining ports," he said.

Along with the highways, the government is also working extensively in areas such as railways, airways and inland waterways. Under the Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme, air connectivity to smaller towns is being expanded rapidly, he said.

"On this path of a New India, infrastructure for the 21st century will be built and all resources for creation of a powerful India will be mobilised. Infrastructure will play an important role in ushering in a prosperous India," he said.

The President said the current government's continuous endeavour has been to build infrastructure in an eco-friendly manner. Along with concrete, greenery has been made an integral part of the highway and expressway projects.

For supply of electricity, optimal utilisation of solar energy is being stressed, he said adding that household and industrial wastes are also being used in road construction.

The President said that in the 21st-century economy, the pace and spread of urbanisation will continue to increase and there is need to develop urban infrastructure.