A Decade of Transformation: Expanding India’s Highway Network
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has closed the year 2024 with a sweeping narrative of progress, highlighting an extraordinary leap in the nation’s infrastructure development. India’s National Highway network, a vital artery fueling the economy, has surged by an impressive 60% since 2014, growing from 91,287 km to 146,195 km. This decade-long expansion reflects the government’s unrelenting commitment to connectivity, economic development, and public welfare.
Flagship initiatives like the Bharatmala Pariyojana, which subsumes projects such as the National Highway Development Project (NHDP) and Special Accelerated Road Development for the North-East (SARDP-NE), have laid the foundation for this unprecedented transformation.
Breaking Barriers: High-Speed Corridors and Mega Projects
India’s ambitions to modernize its transport infrastructure have resulted in a tenfold increase in high-speed corridors. From a mere 93 km in 2014, the network now boasts 2,474 km of high-speed roadways, making journeys faster and more efficient. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, approved eight high-speed projects spanning 936 km at an investment of ₹50,655 crore. These corridors not only enhance connectivity but also promise employment generation to the tune of 4.42 crore man-days.
Notable projects include the Agra-Gwalior National High-Speed Corridor and the 8-lane Elevated Nashik Phata-Khed Corridor, which underline India’s resolve to meet the demands of rapid urbanization.
Asset Monetization and Fiscal Innovation
MoRTH’s innovative asset monetization strategies have resulted in a cumulative ₹42,334 crore through the Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) and Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) models. These approaches allow the government to monetize operational highways while reinvesting proceeds into new infrastructure. The financial year 2023-24 saw a realization of ₹15,968 crore from four TOT bundles.
Revolutionizing Logistics: Multimodal Parks and Port Connectivity
Under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, MoRTH plans to establish 35 Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) to streamline cargo movement and boost trade. These parks, coupled with a comprehensive Port Connectivity Masterplan, are set to enhance last-mile connectivity to 59 critical ports, covering a length of 1,300 km. These projects are designed to ensure seamless integration of roadways with railways, waterways, and airways.
Engineering Marvels: Sudarshan Setu and Beyond
Among the year’s engineering milestones is the Sudarshan Setu Bridge, a 2,320-meter-long cable-stayed structure connecting Okha and Beyt Dwarka in Gujarat. Constructed at a cost of ₹980 crore, this iconic bridge stands as a testament to India’s infrastructural prowess and promises to become a major tourist attraction.
Digital Innovations: Transforming Citizen Services
The adoption of digital platforms has revolutionized road transport services in India. Initiatives like NextGen mParivahan and the All India Tourist Permit Module simplify interstate travel and enhance mobility. Over 90 services, including vehicle registration and license issuance, are now offered online, making governance more accessible and transparent.
Towards Sustainability: Vehicle Scrapping and Road Safety
The Vehicle Scrapping Policy, introduced to phase out unfit and polluting vehicles, has gained momentum. With 80 Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) operational across 19 states, the policy targets environmental sustainability and road safety. By December 2024, over 156,000 vehicles had been scrapped, contributing to cleaner air and safer roads.
Additionally, MoRTH’s focus on rectifying accident-prone black spots has led to permanent solutions for 4,777 locations, significantly reducing fatalities.
Enhancing Tourism and Local Economies
The development of 700+ Way Side Amenities (WSAs) along highways is set to transform travel in India. These hubs, offering EV charging stations, food courts, and local handicraft outlets, aim to enrich the journey experience while boosting local economies.
Global Cooperation and Future Aspirations
International collaborations, such as the Russian-Indian Working Group on Intelligent Transport Systems, underscore India’s commitment to adopting global best practices. The dialogue seeks to enhance technology exchange and attract investments for future-ready infrastructure.
As India gears up for 2025, the Ministry’s achievements signal a robust trajectory toward economic growth, sustainable development, and improved quality of life. With an ambitious roadmap in place, India’s highways are more than mere roads—they are lifelines of progress and prosperity.
Award and Construction of National Highways-
| Sr. No. | Year | Award (in km) | Construction (in km) | Construction (in km / day) |
| 1 | 2014-15 | 7972 | 4,410 | 12.1 |
| 2 | 2015-16 | 10098 | 6,061 | 16.6 |
| 3 | 2016-17 | 15948 | 8,231 | 22.6 |
| 4 | 2017-18 | 17055 | 9,829 | 26.9 |
| 5 | 2018-19 | 5493 | 10,855 | 29.7 |
| 6 | 2019-20 | 8948 | 10,237 | 28.1 |
| 7 | 2020-21 | 10964 | 13,327 | 36.5 |
| 8 | 2021-22 | 12731 | 10,457 | 28.6 |
| 9 | 2022-23 | 12376 | 10,331 | 28.3 |
| 10 | 2023-24 | 8581 | 12349 | 33.83 |
| 11 | 2024-25 (till Dec’24) | 3100 | 5853 | 21.28 |
