New Delhi — In a significant boost to the nation’s infrastructure, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced today that approximately 1,01,900 km of National Highways (NHs) have been constructed or developed from April 2014 to December 2024. This development marks a dramatic 130% increase in average annual construction compared to the previous decade (2004–2014).
Speaking in the Lok Sabha in response to an unstarred question, Minister Gadkari detailed the extensive progress made across the country. “Our commitment to quality and safety is unwavering,” he stated, emphasizing that all highway construction projects adhere to the government’s stringent standards for Road and Bridge Works, as well as the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) codes, guidelines, and special publications.
Nationwide Construction Surge
The Minister highlighted that currently 1,366 projects, totaling about 32,366 km of new NHs, are under construction across India. These projects span across diverse regions including the States of Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and all North-Eastern States. Most projects, he added, are scheduled for phased completion by the Financial Year 2028.
Each project is executed with a clear focus on safety and quality. “From design to construction, operation, and maintenance, every stage is subject to rigorous safety audits and quality checks,” Gadkari explained. These audits, conducted both internally and by independent third-party quality auditors, ensure that any deficiencies are promptly addressed and rectified.
Robust Quality and Safety Protocols
The government’s comprehensive approach mandates that every stage of the project cycle—from initial design through to ongoing maintenance—is infused with robust road safety measures. A detailed road safety audit is carried out during the design phase of NH improvement and upgradation projects to guarantee compliance with safety standards. Additionally, during the construction phase, specific measures are implemented to secure construction zones and facilitate the safe movement of traffic. Periodic audits during the operational phase help assess and ensure that the safety measures remain effective over time.
Contractors and concessionaires bear the primary responsibility for executing these projects in line with the prescribed standards. To further uphold quality, executing agencies deploy consultants such as the Authority’s Engineer or an Independent Engineer to conduct random quality checks. In certain projects, third-party quality auditors are also engaged to provide an additional layer of oversight.
Enhanced Connectivity Across Regions
The Minister also noted the strategic infrastructural developments in the State of Rajasthan, where the headquarters of the Jalore and Sirohi districts have now been integrated into the existing NH network through NH-325 and NH-62. This connectivity is expected to further stimulate regional development and economic activity.
A Future on the Move
The rapid expansion and enhancement of the National Highways network underscore the government’s ongoing commitment to modernizing India’s infrastructure. By ensuring that every stretch of highway meets the highest quality and safety standards, the government is not only facilitating smoother transportation but also laying a strong foundation for economic growth and regional development.
As India continues its journey on the fast lane, the blend of accelerated construction rates with uncompromising quality standards is poised to make a lasting impact on the nation’s connectivity and overall progress.
