Changing in India: India’s infrastructure has seen significant changes since 2014. Roads, railways, airports, metros, energy, ports, and healthcare have expanded. Government data provides a clear picture of this growth, however, independent verification of these claims from source sources within various sectors is essential. According to media reports, capacity has rapidly increased in several sectors, including railways, roads, airports, energy, healthcare, startups, and water transport, over the past 12 years.
According to media reports, before 2014, there were no operational dedicated freight corridors in the country. A DFC network of approximately 2,843 kilometers has now been established. Similarly, the expressway network is claimed to have expanded from approximately 1,000 kilometers to 6,700 kilometers. The network of national highways with four lanes and wider has also increased from 18,371 kilometers to 45,516 kilometers.
Increased Railway and Metro Connectivity
Regarding railway electrification, the government says the network has expanded from 21,800 kilometers to approximately 69,800 kilometers. The country’s metro network has expanded significantly, from approximately 250 kilometers in 2014 to approximately 1,000 kilometers in 2014. Expansion in air connectivity has also been claimed. According to media reports, there were 74 airports before 2014, while 164 more airports were added after that.
Solar and Renewable Energy Growth
Solar capacity in the energy sector has also seen a significant shift. According to data, solar capacity has increased from approximately 2.6 GW in 2014 to approximately 162 GW now. Total renewable capacity has also increased from 54 GW to 248 GW. Additionally, power capacity is claimed to have increased from 249 GW to approximately 540 GW.
Increase in Startups and Defense Exports
According to the government, the number of recognized startups has increased from approximately 500 in 2014 to 230,000. Defense exports are also reported to have increased from ₹700 crore to ₹38,424 crore.
Expansion of AIIMS and Medical Seats in the Health Sector
In the health sector, the government has presented the increase in the number of AIIMS, medical colleges, and MBBS seats as a major achievement. According to data, the number of AIIMS has increased from 8 to 23, and MBBS seats from 51,348 to approximately 139,000. The number of medical colleges has also increased from 387 to 844 additional colleges.
Water and gas connections also increased.
Government data shows an increase in piped natural gas (PNG) connections from 2.5 million to 16 million, and the gas pipeline network from 15,000 kilometers to 26,000 kilometers. The share of rural households with tap water has increased from 17% to nearly 80%.