The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is a government ministry in India that is responsible for the development and maintenance of the country’s national highways, roads, and transport infrastructure.

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When

MoRTH was established on July 1, 1943, as a wing of the Ministry of Transport and Communications. In 1985, it became a separate ministry and was named the Ministry of Surface Transport, which was later renamed to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in 2009.

Why

The primary mandate of MoRTH is to develop and maintain a safe, efficient, and sustainable road transport system in India, in line with the country’s economic and social development goals. Some of the key functions of MoRTH include policy formulation, planning and implementation of national highways and other road infrastructure projects, regulation of road transport services, and promoting road safety.

The headquarters of MoRTH is located in New Delhi, and it has several regional offices and field units across the country.

Casestudy

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is a government ministry in India that has the responsibility of developing and maintaining the country’s road transport system. MoRTH was established on July 1, 1943, as a wing of the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Its primary mandate at that time was to provide safe and efficient transport to support the war efforts during World War II. After the war, MoRTH continued to function as a part of the Ministry of Transport and Communications until 1985, when it became a separate ministry with a focus on surface transport. In 2009, it was renamed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Over the years, MoRTH has played a critical role in the development of India’s road transport system. India has one of the largest road networks in the world, with over 5.5 million kilometers of roads. Of this, about 200,000 kilometers are national highways that are managed by MoRTH. These national highways carry more than 40% of the country’s total road traffic, making them a vital component of India’s transport infrastructure.

One of the key functions of MoRTH is to plan and implement the development of national highways and other road infrastructure projects. This includes the construction of new roads, as well as the maintenance and upgrade of existing roads. MoRTH also has the responsibility of overseeing the quality of construction and ensuring that the roads are safe and meet international standards.

MoRTH has several bodies under it that are involved in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the national highway network. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of national highways. It also constructs expressways and national highways that connect major cities and ports.

Another important body under MoRTH is the Indian Road Congress (IRC), which is responsible for setting the standards for road construction and design. The IRC conducts research and develops guidelines on road safety, pavement design, and construction materials. It also publishes technical journals and organizes conferences to disseminate knowledge and promote best practices in road construction and maintenance.

MoRTH is also responsible for regulating road transport services in India. This includes the licensing of vehicles, drivers, and transport operators. The ministry sets rules and guidelines for the operation of vehicles on Indian roads, as well as for the transport of hazardous goods.

Road safety is a key priority for MoRTH. The ministry has taken several steps to improve road safety in India, including the introduction of stricter laws and penalties for traffic violations, the promotion of road safety awareness campaigns, and the implementation of road safety audits for new road projects.

In recent years, MoRTH has also focused on the development of sustainable and eco-friendly transport solutions. The ministry has encouraged the use of alternative fuels such as electric and hybrid vehicles and has introduced policies to promote the adoption of these vehicles in India. MoRTH has also launched initiatives to promote the use of public transport and non-motorized transport such as cycling and walking.

MoRTH is headquartered in New Delhi and has several regional offices and field units across the country. The ministry is led by the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, who is supported by a team of senior officials and technical experts.

In conclusion, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of India’s road transport system. Its primary mandate is to provide safe, efficient, and sustainable road transport to support the country’s economic and social development goals. Over the years, MoRTH has played a key role in the development of India’s national highway network and has also focused on promoting road safety, regulating road transport services, and developing sustainable transport solutions.