Bharatmala 2.0: India’s Mega Highway Drive Accelerates with 26,000+ km Unleashed by 2025

New Delhi — In a major boost to India’s infrastructure revolution, the implementation of the Bharatmala Pariyojana has achieved significant milestones, transforming the country’s road network into a high-speed, smart transportation grid. Approved by the Government in 2017, the ambitious initiative originally targeted 4,800 km, but has since expanded exponentially.

As of February 28, 2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reports that projects spanning 26,425 km have been awarded under Bharatmala Pariyojana, with 19,826 km of highways already completed. This represents a massive leap in connectivity, designed to enhance logistics efficiency, reduce travel time between key economic hubs, and provide faster access to tribal, aspirational, and Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts.

One of the cornerstones of this infrastructure boom is the development of high-speed greenfield corridors. Of the 6,669 km awarded under this category, 4,610 km have been successfully constructed, cutting down travel time and catalyzing regional development. These corridors are expected to link industrial hubs, National Master Plan (NMP) nodes, Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs), ports, and airports, ensuring seamless freight and passenger movement across the nation.

To uphold quality and safety, all National Highway (NH) projects adhere strictly to standards laid down by the Indian Roads Congress and the Specifications for Road and Bridge Works. Road safety has been integrated into every phase — from design to maintenance — with mandated audits at each critical stage of highway projects, including existing stretches.

Embracing the future of construction, the government has incorporated smart technologies such as Automated & Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AI-MC), LIDAR mapping, and drone-based analytics. These innovations are revolutionizing highway construction by enhancing precision, speed, and sustainability.

The progress update was shared by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Jairam Gadkari, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, underlining the government’s commitment to building a safer, smarter, and more connected India.