Latest news with #MinistryofRoadTransport&Highways
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tamang tells NHIDCL to construct double-lane highway to connect Sikkim with Bengal, ET Infra
Advt Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Monday told NHIDCL the need for construction of a double-lane highway to connect the Himalayan state with West Bengal's Siliguri town.A NHIDCL delegation led by managing director Krishan Kumar called on the chief minister here and discussed about improving road connectivity and ensuring greater convenience for commuters in the CM told the NHIDCL team that the existing Sevoke-Gangtok highway which connects Sikkim with West Bengal's Siliguri town continues to face challenges due to difficult terrain and weather conditions and urged them to find a long term reliable solution."Pleased to meet the delegation from NHIDCL... our discussion focused on improving road connectivity and ensuring greater convenience for commuters in the region."We addressed the ongoing issues with the existing Sevoke-Gangtok highway, which continues to face challenges due to difficult terrain and weather conditions. I emphasized the need for a long-term, reliable solution through the construction of a standard double-lane highway to ease year-round travel, especially during the monsoon season. It was encouraging to learn that NHIDCL has already engaged a consultant and is moving forward with plans for such an upgrade," Tamang said in a Facebook Sikkim CM also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways for declaring the Melli-Singtam route as NH-210."This 23 km alternative highway has significantly improved connectivity and brought new economic opportunities to the region, offering a much-needed boost to local communities, he said.
Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Explained: How does ABS work & why is government mandating it on two-wheelers
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has announced that anti-lock brakes (ABS) will be mandatory on all two-wheelers from April 1, 2026. The move aims to make two-wheelers, comprising motorcycles and scooters, safer, irrespective of the displacement. Previously, only two-wheelers with an engine capacity over 125 cc were mandated to have ABS. However, the new regulation will now include entry-level models as well. But why is ABS important? We break it down for you. Anti-lock brakes will be mandatory on all new two-wheelers irrespective of the engine displacement from July 1, 2026 Anti-lock brakes is a safety feature that ensures the wheels do not lock up during braking. This is particularly effective in emergencies and on slippery surfaces. The ABS unit is connected to the front brake mechanism (and rear brakes on higher displacement models) and uses sensors to monitor the wheel speed. (Also read: Government mandates ABS on all new two-wheelers from April 1, 2026) Entry-level two-wheelers are currently equipped with combi-braking system as standard, which will soon be upgraded to anti-lock brakes The sensors then use the ECU to control the brake pressure by applying the brakes in spurts. As a result, the wheels do not lock up, preventing the vehicle from skidding. This allows for more controlled braking and a shorter stopping distance. Anti-lock brakes are a crucial safety feature helping improve overall vehicle stability and control, and has been a major contributor towards improving road safety on two-wheelers as well as cars. Better Safety With ABS The addition of ABS to all two-wheelers will be a major contributor towards improving road safety in India. So far, two-wheelers under 125 cc get the Combi-Braking System (CBS) as standard, which applies both the front and rear brakes to ensure better balance. However, the new mandate will require all new two-wheelers to feature ABS as a standard fitment, starting from April 1 next year. Meanwhile, existing two-wheelers will be required to have ABS as standard from October 1, 2026. ABS is one of the many safety features seen on higher-capacity motorcycles. More powerful two-wheelers also come with traction control, ride-by-wire, IMU, and more Select manufacturers have begun offering ABS as an option on their 125 cc motorcycles. At present, the Hero Xtreme 125R is the most accessible motorcycle in India to get anti-lock brakes. Anti-lock brakes were first mandated in India on 125 cc and above bikes with effect from April 1, 2018. Enhanced Road Safety With ABS Two-wheeler accidents account for about 44 per cent of all road accidents in India. Data suggests that about 45 per cent of the two-wheelers sold are under 125 cc. That said, the addition of ABS will add a fairly significant cost to entry-level two-wheelers. Expect prices to go up by ₹ 5,000-7,000, depending on the model. Nevertheless, it's a step in the right direction and should help reduce two-wheeler-related accidents and fatalities in the country. If you are currently looking for a two-wheeler and your preferred model comes with ABS, then that's the variant you should go for.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Transforming Manipur: How Road Connectivity is Driving Economic Growth in Hill Districts, ET Infra
Advt Advt Manipur is steadily paving its path to progress, one road at a time. As the state continues to improve its road infrastructure, the ripple effects are being felt far and wide, bringing tangible benefits to daily life, local economies, and the broader social fabric of the residents of Ukhrul and other remote hill districts, the development of new roads is a vital link to opportunity, safety, and prosperity. "Good roads make driving much safer," said N. S. Pesse, a resident of Ukhrul. "If someone falls ill and needs to travel to Imphal or Ukhrul, the improved roads make the journey much easier. Earlier, poor road conditions caused a lot of difficulties. Better roads not only support tourism but also ensure safer travel, making our lives more secure overall," he has made remarkable strides in road infrastructure, particularly under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, which has approved 50 National Highway projects covering 1,026 kilometres across the state. Out of these, 44 projects worth Rs. 902 crores are focused on the hill areas, which have long suffered from inadequate connectivity. Notably, 8 projects spanning 125 kilometres have already been completed, while 36 more, covering 777 kilometres and worth Rs. 12,000 crores, are currently under various stages of government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and the National Highways Development Project (NHDP) have played a crucial role in these developments. From highways to rural roads, the network is expanding, reaching even the remotest corners, including areas like Litan in Ukhrul district, where once-isolated communities are now witnessing the benefits of reliable road access."With new roads, progress will follow," said Bidur, a resident of Litan in Ukhrul. "Commuting will become easier, and more tourists will be encouraged to visit. Good roads bring numerous benefits."The benefits of this enhanced connectivity go well beyond tourism. Improved road access is fueling economic activity, particularly for traders and small businesses who now spend less time and money transporting goods across the state. In addition, better roads are allowing children from remote villages to attend schools more regularly and enabling families to access healthcare and other essential services without the previous hardships of long and treacherous a strong commitment from the central and state governments and active participation from local administrations, Manipur is laying the foundation for sustainable development and social transformation.
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Government mandates ABS on all new two-wheelers from April 1, 2026
The new rule mandatory all two-wheelers, including the ones under 125 cc to get ABS as standard from next year (Brixton ) Check Offers The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has announced that anti-lock brakes (ABS) will be mandatory on all two-wheelers from April 1, 2026. The move aims to make two-wheelers, comprising motorcycles and scooters, safer, irrespective of the displacement. At present, two-wheelers with an engine bigger than 125 cc are required to have ABS as a mandatory safety feature. The new regulations mandate the same for all two-wheelers starting next year. ABS will be mandatory on all two-wheelers from next year MoRTH has announced that all new two-wheelers will need to have ABS as standard from April 1, 2026. Meanwhile, the government is providing manufacturers until October 1, 2026, to upgrade existing two-wheelers with the feature. At present, two-wheelers under 125 cc get the Combi-Braking System (CBS) as standard, which applies both the front and rear brakes to ensure better balance. Most two-wheelers above 125 cc come with single-channel ABS as standard, while several manufacturers have begun to roll out dual-channel ABS on select motorcycles in the 150-160 cc segment and above. Also Read : Emergency braking, drowsiness alert, lane departure warnings to be mandatory in all large cars from April 2026 Only a handful of manufacturers provide ABS on 125 cc or lower two-wheelers, which will now be mandatory The move will certainly make the entry-level two-wheeler lineup safer for customers, but also lead to an increase in prices overall. Expect prices to go up to ₹ 5,000-7,000 on the entry-level models with single-channel ABS. The safety features - ABS (125 cc and above) and CBS (under 125 cc) - were first made mandatory on two-wheelers in India with effect from April 1, 2018. The updated regulation arrives eight years since, and is a step in the right direction. ABS: How does it work? An Anti-lock braking system on a two-wheeler helps prevent wheel lock-up in case of emergency braking. The safety system is designed to apply brakes in spurts to ensure more controlled braking, especially on wet surfaces. Most two-wheelers in India come with single-channel ABS, which brings the technology to the front wheel. Meanwhile, higher capacity motorcycles are equipped with dual-channel ABS that offers more effective braking on both wheels. Anti-lock brakes help two-wheelers with more controlled stopping power, preventing the brakes from locking up under hard braking. (HT Auto/ Paarth Khatri) Two-wheeler accidents account for about 44 per cent of all road accidents in India. Notably, about 45 per cent of the bikes sold in India are under 125 cc. Data suggests that the inclusion of ABS on a two-wheeler can help reduce crashes by 35-40 per cent. The government is also mulling providing two helmets as mandatory with the purchase of a new two-wheeler. MoRTH says the new regulation is part of a broader strategy to reduce road injuries and fatalities. The ministry previously announced making ADAS safety features mandatory on new passenger vehicles from April 1, 2026. This includes Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB), Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and more. Check out Upcoming Bikes In India. First Published Date: 20 Jun 2025, 17:30 PM IST
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
FASTag Annual Pass of Rs 3,000 can save Rs 7,000: Nitin Gadkari explains the maths
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills Who will benefit most from the FASTag annual pass? How will the FASTag Annual Pass work? FASTag-based Annual Pass launching on August 15, 2025 Dedicated link for activation and renewal Faster and smoother travel experience What is FASTag? Are there any charges to open a FASTag account? What are the ways to recharge a FASTag account? The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is introducing a FASTag-based Annual Pass of Rs 3,000 for one year or 200 trips (whichever comes earlier) for private vehicles . The FASTag annual pass is introduced as part of a significant effort to make highway travel easier and more affordable. This will be effective from August 15, to a social media post on X by Nitin Gadkari , Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, 'The Rs 3,000 pass is good for non-commercial vehicles such as automobiles, jeeps, and vans and is valid for a year or up to 200 trips, whichever comes first.'This annual pass will save frequent travellers a significant amount of money by replacing multiple toll payments with a single, affordable annual fee. It will work best for commuters who use national highways for a daily or regular commute within a short distance. Mainly, it reduces waiting time at toll booths, especially during peak hours or holiday seasons for private the total cost of this annual pass is Rs 3,000 and the maximum number of toll crossings allowed under it is 200, the average cost per toll comes out to be Rs 15. So for a frequent traveller, the higher the average cost of toll in his route, the higher will be the benefit he or she will get. For instance, if the average cost of toll is Rs 50 then the traveller would have to pay Rs 10,000 for 200 toll crossings. However, with this annual pass, he can do the same with merely Rs 3,000 which saves Rs 7,000. In case, the traveller has a preferred long route which has much higher average toll fee then his/her savings will be to a post on X by Nitin Gadkari, 'In a transformative step towards hassle-free highway travel, we are introducing a FASTag-based Annual Pass priced at Rs 3,000, effective from 15th August 2025. Valid for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips—whichever comes first—this pass is designed exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans.'Now travelers can get a FASTag-based Annual Pass which is priced at Rs 3,000 and will be effective from 15th August 2025. This pass will be valid for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips, whichever comes first. This pass is designed exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans.'The Annual Pass will enable seamless and cost-effective travel across National Highways throughout the country. A dedicated link for activation and renewal will soon be made available on the Rajmarg Yatra App as well as on the official websites of NHAI and MoRTH,' Nitin Gadgari further, this policy addresses long-standing concerns regarding toll plazas located within a 60 km range and simplifies toll payments through a single, affordable transaction, he is a chip similar to the RFID tags that car companies place as a sticker on the windshield. It has all your details, which makes it easier for you to pass through a toll and pay the toll amount by scanning Code. Paying FASTag charges at any toll plaza is a contactless process. You can open a prepaid FASTag account and add money to it so that the account is usable. You can keep reloading money in this account as long as you need to, if you are going on a trip or trips that require you to pass through tolls. There will be FASTag lanes demarcated for every toll across the to the ICICI Bank website, there is a charge of Rs 99.12 (including GST) on new Tag joining. However, please check with your respective bank or other entity for any charges associated with the new Tag FASTag account can be recharged through internet banking, NEFT/RTGS, UPI, credit card, debit card, cheque and cash, as per the ICICI Bank website.
