The state of Gujarat with a population of 55 million (2000 projection) has one of the most developed and congested road networks in the country. With strong economic growth, state motor vehicle registrations have increased manifold over the period and in 1999 alone there was an addition of 4.72 lakh of vehicles. Today, because of high vehicle registration growth in Gujarat, motor vehicles density figure per 100 km of paved roads stands at about 6714.

The “Gujarat Road Development Plan 1981-2001” recognized these rapidly growing traffic levels and the inability of the existing infrastructure to cope with these increases. As a result, the Government of Gujarat has, over the last decade, south World Bank assistance in improving both the capacity and quality of its core state road network.

The first Bank financed project was the Gujarat Rural Roads Project (GRRP) which focused on the expansion and improvement of the Village Roads network.

The Gujarat State Highways Project (GSHP) focuses on the capacity and structural improvement of the core state highway network.

The GSHP addresses the following State Road Policy objectives, which are:

• To provide an adequate and efficient road system encompassing all transportation needs to ensure smooth and uninterrupted flow for intra and inter state goods and passenger traffic

• To upgrade technology by inducing superior and quicker construction and maintenance methods;

• To introduce more scientific principles in resource allocation for maintenance and new construction programs; and

• To set high standards of road safety and travel comfort

A number of studies were undertaken to bring the GSHP to the implementation stage.

• Strategic Options Study (SOS) - The study, undertaken in 1995, evaluated 3000 km of state Highways, and identified 1500 km for detailed feasibility study.

• Techno-Economic Feasibility Study – The study, undertaken in 1997, was based on detailed traffic, engineering, environmental and economic investigation and identified 850 kms of state highways for Widening and Strengthening.

• Maintenance Component Study – In 1997/98, the study analysed 1700 km of State Highways based on traffic volumes and road conditions and 900 kms were elected for rehabilitation of cross-fall and pavement strengthening.

• Institutional Development Study – The study examined future needs within R&BD and recommended a number of initiatives, including automation of a Road Management System, Project Financial Management System and establishment of an Environmental Monitoring Unit within R&BD