10 Infrastructure Projects In India That Make Us Proud

Economists and urban planners often point out that India's experience with large infrastructural projects pale in comparison to that of China's. True enough. But, in the recent past, the Indian government and urban local authorities have successfully executed many major infrastructural projects.

Here is a list of India's ten major infrastructural projects that make us proud:

1. Bandra-Worli Sea Link: This cable-stayed bridge built over the sea has become a landmark in Mumbai. The bridge was built over nine years. The construction of the bridge was always mired in controversy, and this is not merely because the toll fee collected on the sea link is high. But, after it became operational, this bridge that connects Bandra suburb to Worli, a posh residential and commercial area, has silenced such voices. In peak hours, the Bandra Worli Sea Link cuts down the commuting time between Bandra and Worli from 60-90 minutes to 20-30 minutes. Now, people can drive through the Bandra-Worli sea link relishing the sea view. 

2. Noida Toll Bridge: An infrastructural project that is so successful that it became a company in itself is a spectacular achievement. Alternatively known as the Delhi Noida Direct (DND) flyway, this is the first infrastructure project to be listed on stock exchanges. 14 years after its construction, the 8 km long DND flyway is still seen as an asset worth investing in. This eight-laned road played a major role in easing traffic congestion in the city.  It also brought down the commuting time between Delhi and Noida, making property in Noida more valuable.

3. Eastern Freeway: This Central Government funded Eastern freeway is a 16.8 km long highway that connects South Mumbai to Eastern suburbs. The direct elevated highway reduced the commuting time from 45 to 20 minutes, from Chembur to Town area. It also made the commute far more comfortable. The expressway is being extended to create a Southern arm to Mint road, curtailing traffic congestion on one of the busiest roads in the country.

4. Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi: The Delhi International airport is India's largest airport. The collective capacity of the airport is over 62 million passengers. This airport, once controlled by Indian Air Force, was later handed over to the Airport Authority Of India. Terminal 1 or the domestic terminal is divided into three parts, each serving different sets of carriers. A metro line now connects the airport to the city centre, reducing commuting time in either directions.

5. Mumbai Monorail: This is India's first monorail project, commissioned in 2013, to allow Mumbai to be a city in the same league of Tokyo. It is a 20 km long rail line that connects Jacob Circle to Wadala. This has improved the transportation system in Mumbai, making traveling in buses unattractive in comparison. The government has planned a second phase of the monorail to connect the current system to the suburban railway service. This will raise the value of real estate in Mumbai.

6. Yamuna Expressway: This 165 km long highway connects Greater Noida to Agra, over the river it is named after. This six-lane highway has 13 service roads for local commuters because it is linked to Kuberpur on the National Highway 2. It has five main toll booths, a rail over-bridge and 42 minor bridges. The toll booth was opened in 2012. The government plans to extend it to Lucknow. This project has turned the area into real estate hotspot. The Yamuna Expressway Authority was formed to steer the course of development in this area.

7. Hosur Road Elevated Expressway: In Bangalore, traffic congestion has always been a constraint. But, this flyover that connects Silk Board junction and Electronic city has reduced the commuting time from 60 to 10 minutes. The residential and commercial hub of E-city is now connected to the industrial belt of Hosur Road. The six lane expressway also eases traffic in many ways with its two service roads and pedestrian underpasses. The Hosur Road Elevated Expressway was commissioned in 2010.

8. BRTS in Ahmedabad: This well-functioning transit system in Ahmedabad is a major reason why its suburbs are now mini realty hubs. Known as Janmarg, it has 12 operational lines that offer quick, comfortable transportation. The BRTS has special low-floor buses carefully designed for the roads in Ahmedabad. Since it became operational in 2009, the BRTS has convinced many residents of the city to use mass transit. The urban local authorities in Ahmedabad plan to double the number of operational lines to 24  

9. Banihal Qazigund Railway Runnel: Known as India's longest railway tunnel, the Banihal Qazigund Railway Tunnel is spread over 11 km in the hilly parts of Jammu & Kashmir. The commercial operations of this railway tunnel started in 2013. It is also one of the longest railway tunnels in Asia. It is alternatively known as the Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel.

10. Howrah Dhanbad Double Decker Train: Operational since 2012, the Howrah Dhanbad Double Decker Train is the first of its kind in India. The double decker trains have push back seats, wind screens and other amenities. Introducing double decker trains is one of the rare major reforms the Indian Railways introduced since its inception. After the first run, double decker trains run across ten routes. 

(Katya Naidu has been working as a business journalist for the last nine years, and has covered beats across banking, pharma, healthcare, telecom, technology, power, infrastructure, shipping and commodities)