India’s Highway Network Sees Massive Expansion Over Last 12 Years

New Delhi: India has witnessed a remarkable transformation in road infrastructure over the past 12 years, driven by flagship initiatives such as the Bharatmala Pariyojana, rapid expansion of the National Highway network, and the construction of world-class expressways across the country, according to a factsheet released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

One of the most significant initiatives in the sector has been the Bharatmala Pariyojana, aimed at improving freight and passenger movement nationwide. As of March 2026, projects covering 26,425 km had been awarded, while 22,590 km had already been completed. Launched in 2017, the programme envisages the development of 34,800 km of National Highway corridors with an estimated investment of Rs 5.35 lakh crore.

The programme has played a key role in strengthening connectivity, reducing logistics costs, improving access to remote regions, and promoting balanced regional development and national integration.

A major highlight of the infrastructure push has been the expansion of the National Highway network. The network has grown from around 91,287 km in 2014 to more than 1,46,572 km in FY 2025-26, registering an increase of nearly 61 percent.

The pace of highway construction has also accelerated significantly. From an average of 11.6 km per day in 2013-14, construction speed has risen to nearly 34 km per day in 2025. Improved road connectivity has facilitated faster movement of goods and services, enhanced market access, and strengthened economic activity across the country.

Among the flagship projects, the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway stands out as one of India’s most ambitious highway developments. With a planned length of approximately 1,386 km and an estimated cost of Rs 1 lakh crore, it is expected to become the country’s longest access-controlled expressway upon completion. The corridor connects Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, significantly improving connectivity between major economic hubs.

Other key projects include the Delhi–Meerut Expressway, which has improved travel between Delhi and Meerut; the Dwarka Expressway, enhancing connectivity between Delhi and Gurugram; and the Bengaluru–Mysuru Expressway, which has reduced travel time between Bengaluru and Mysuru from nearly three hours to around 75 minutes.

Another landmark project is the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor, a 213-km six-lane access-controlled highway developed at a cost of Rs 12,000 crore. Inaugurated in April 2026, the corridor has reduced travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from more than six hours to approximately two and a half hours.

The government says these projects are not only improving mobility and logistics efficiency but also generating new opportunities for industrial growth, investment, tourism, and employment, contributing significantly to India's economic development.

With inputs from IANS