The Indian railways have consistently lost out to roads as the preferred mode for goods and passenger movement across the country over the last few decades. The railways have failed to respond to the market demands. The roadblocks in the policies, infrastructure and carrying capacity constraints, lack of public sector investments, and lobby and political nexus in promoting the roadways has halted the growth of railways.

The roll-on roll-off service, which completed 15 years in 2014, is an innovative tie up between the road and rail sector. Also of interest is the dedicated freight corridors, a promising expansion plan by the railways.

Unscientific methods of toll collection is facing resistance by transporters in several Indian states. Technology usage can ensure transparency as well as better collection.

Destruction of mangrove forests, encroachment of the sea coast, massive uprooting of trees and displacement of people without a rehabilitation plan are some of the issues of the NH-66 road widening project. Officials claim mitigation measures will be taken to reduce ecological damages.

About 59 per cent of India’s land area is under the threat of moderate to severe earthquake intensity.

The fire in the Seshachalam forest in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh destroyed 1300-1400 hectares of forest land belonging to Andhra Pradesh, and about 100 hectares of forest land belonging to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam.

The 73rd Amendment Act of 1992 provided constitutional status to the panchayati raj institutions, formalised with a three tier pyramidal structure.

The centrally sponsored scheme launched in March 2013 to strengthen the panchayati raj system across the country addresses critical gaps that constrain it. It aims to break the cycle of low capacity and lack of devolution, which lead to disempowerment of the panchayat in several states, by a strong multi-pronged intervention.