In a sweeping transformation over the past decade, India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has spearheaded an extensive expansion and modernization of the national highway (NH) network. This monumental effort, orchestrated under the visionary PM Gati Shakti framework, has not only improved the country’s infrastructure but also bolstered economic growth and regional connectivity, touching every corner of the nation.
From Vision to Reality: A Decade of Progress
Since March 2014, the length of national highways in India has surged from 91,287 kilometers to an impressive 146,126 kilometers, marking a 1.6-fold increase. This rapid expansion has been fueled by the construction of 98,021 kilometers of new highways, backed by an investment of Rs. 14.55 lakh crore. The ministry’s commitment to developing a robust highway network is evident in its enhanced budgetary allocations, which have grown from Rs. 31,130 crore in 2013-14 to a staggering Rs. 2,84,000 crore in 2024-25.
Connectivity Milestones: Enhancing Access Across India
One of the cornerstone achievements of this initiative is the improved accessibility to district headquarters. Out of 784 district headquarters across the country, 746 are now within a 10-kilometer radius of a national highway. This improvement is not just a statistic but a testament to the ministry’s dedication to integrating remote and economically vital regions into the national grid.
In Uttar Pradesh, a state often cited for its economic and cultural significance, the impact has been particularly pronounced. Since April 2014, approximately 7,554 kilometers of national highways have been constructed in the state, with an investment of around Rs. 1,53,918 crore. This has ensured that 73 out of the 75 district headquarters in Uttar Pradesh are within a 10-kilometer proximity to a national highway.
Quality Over Quantity: Upgrading the Highway Network
Beyond mere expansion, the ministry has also focused on improving the quality and capacity of the existing highway network. The length of four-lane and above highways has more than doubled, from 18,371 kilometers in 2014 to 48,422 kilometers today. Concurrently, the proportion of highways with less than two lanes has been slashed by more than half, from 27,517 kilometers to 13,000 kilometers, reducing their share from 30% to under 10% of the total highway network.
Economic Implications: Infrastructure as the Growth Engine
The comprehensive enhancement of the national highway network is more than just an infrastructural achievement; it is a vital driver of economic growth. By facilitating smoother and faster transportation, these highways have significantly increased logistics efficiency, thereby boosting trade and commerce. Improved regional connectivity has also opened up new avenues for tourism and religious travel, fostering economic opportunities in diverse sectors.
The Road Ahead: Continuing the Journey
As India continues to invest in and develop its national highway network, the benefits of these endeavors are expected to multiply. The government’s commitment to infrastructure development promises not only to maintain but also to accelerate the country’s economic growth trajectory. This transformation in national highways stands as a testament to what visionary planning and dedicated execution can achieve, setting a benchmark for future infrastructure projects.
In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, highlighted these achievements, emphasizing the government’s unwavering focus on enhancing the nation’s infrastructure. The progress in the national highway network underscores the Ministry’s role as a pivotal player in India’s journey towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
