The Centre has announced plans to construct 34 new access-controlled Ring Roads, in addition to 36 projects already underway, to ease congestion in fast-growing urban areas.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) presented the roadmap to states, seeking cooperation to expedite implementation. These greenfield corridors, designed for speeds of 100-120 kmph, will cover cities and agglomerations with populations above five lakh, including Kolkata, Amaravati, Nashik, Trivandrum, Ajmer, Warangal and Tirunelveli. To prevent traffic bottlenecks, a Development Control Zone (DCZ) of 15 metres on either side of the roads will be established, restricting construction except for public utilities and green areas.

Beyond the DCZ, up to two km, regulated development will be allowed. States have been offered multiple financing models, such as contributing 50 percent of project costs in exchange for 50 per cent of toll revenue over 15 years, bearing 50 percent of land acquisition costs, or providing pooled land. The initiative was discussed in a meeting chaired by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari