State roads, including State Highways (SHs), are declared as new National Highways (NHs) from time to time on the basis of well established principles. The criteria for State roads for declaration as new NHs may include some of the following: -

1. Roads running through length / breadth of the country.
2. Connecting adjacent countries, National Capitals with State Capitals / mutually the State Capitals, major ports, non-major ports, large industrial centers or tourist centers.
3. Roads having important strategic requirement in hilly and isolated area.
4. Arterial roads which enable sizeable reduction in travel distance and achieve substantial economic growth.
5. Roads which help in opening up large tracts of backward area and hilly region.
6. Roads contributing towards achievement of National Highways grid of 100 km.
7. Synergy with PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP).      

At present there is no proposal for declaration of Petlavad to Ratlam road as NH.

The existing State Highways (SHs) connects Ratlam and Jhabua with 8- lane Delhi-Vadodara Expressway. As informed by Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation Ltd. (MPRDC) Request for Proposal (RFP) for engagement of consultants for preparation of Feasibility Report /Detailed Project Report (DPR) for 4 -laning with paved shoulder of existing SHs have been invited.

  This information was given by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

*****

MJPS/NSK

(Release ID: 1941059)