Over the past twelve years, India has witnessed an unprecedented transformation in its road infrastructure landscape. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has spearheaded a new era of connectivity, strengthening economic growth, improving logistics efficiency and enhancing ease of travel for millions of citizens.
Recognising world-class infrastructure as a key enabler of national development, the Government has undertaken transformative initiatives aimed at expanding connectivity, reducing travel time, improving road safety and fostering inclusive growth. The rapid expansion of the National Highway network, record construction pace and development of iconic expressways have collectively reshaped India’s transportation ecosystem and strengthened the foundation of a modern and self-reliant nation.
Bharatmala Pariyojana: A Vision for Integrated National Connectivity
Among the most transformative initiatives in the highway sector is Bharatmala Pariyojana, a flagship programme designed to optimize freight and passenger movement across the country. Approved by the Government of India in October 2017, the programme envisages the development of 34,800 kilometres of National Highway corridors with an estimated outlay of ₹5.35 lakh crore.
The programme focuses on the development of Economic Corridors, Inter-Corridors & Feeder Routes, National Corridor Efficiency Improvement projects, Border Roads, Coastal Roads, Port Connectivity Roads and Expressways. As of March 2026, projects covering 26,425 kilometres had been awarded, while 22,590 kilometres had already been constructed. Bharatmala Pariyojana has significantly strengthened connectivity, reduced logistics costs and improved access to remote and strategically important regions, thereby contributing to economic development, regional balance and national integration.
Expansion of the National Highway Network
The expansion of India’s National Highway network has been one of the most significant infrastructure achievements of the past decade. The network has grown from approximately 91,287 kilometres in 2014 to over 1,46,572 kilometres in FY 2025-26, representing an increase of nearly 61 per cent.
This remarkable growth has improved connectivity across states and regions, facilitated faster movement of goods and services, enhanced access to markets and strengthened the country’s economic backbone. The expanded network is also helping bridge regional disparities by connecting remote and underserved areas with growth centres and economic hubs.
Record Growth in Highway Construction
India has also achieved a significant increase in the pace of National Highway construction. From an average construction rate of approximately 11.6 kilometres per day in 2013-14, the pace has increased to nearly 34 kilometres per day in 2025.
This achievement reflects sustained policy support, improved project execution, streamlined approval mechanisms, technological innovation and enhanced institutional capacity. The accelerated pace of construction has enabled faster completion of critical infrastructure projects and strengthened nationwide connectivity.
Additionally, as per study conducted by Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), development of National highways has significantly reduced the average logistics costs by improving accessibility to factories, resulting in decline in cost of transportation between the factory and the supplier and between the factory and the customer respectively.
Delhi–Mumbai Expressway: Redefining Long-Distance Connectivity
The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway is one of India’s most ambitious highway infrastructure projects. With a planned length of approximately 1,386 kilometres and an estimated project cost of around ₹1 lakh crore, it is set to become the country’s longest access-controlled expressway upon completion.
Connecting Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra, the expressway will significantly enhance connectivity between major economic centres of the country. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the first completed section of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway on 12 February 2023 — the 246-km Delhi–Dausa–Lalsot stretch in Rajasthan, developed at a cost of over ₹12,000 crore. This was followed by the inauguration of the 87-km Vadodara–Bharuch stretch in Gujarat on 22 February 2024. Subsequently, on 5 June 2026, the Prime Minister inaugurated two additional Gujarat sections: the 36-km Kim–Ena section and the 27.5-km Gandeva–Ena section. The project is expected to reduce travel time, improve logistics efficiency and unlock new opportunities for industrial growth, investment and employment along its corridor.
Delhi–Meerut Expressway: Transforming Regional Connectivity
The Delhi–Meerut Expressway has transformed connectivity within the National Capital Region by enabling faster, safer and more efficient travel between Delhi and Meerut. Developed at a cost of approximately ₹8346 crore and spanning about 82 kilometres, the Expressway has substantially reduced travel time for commuters and businesses alike.
The project was completed in phases, with various sections inaugurated between 2018 and 2021. Today, it stands as one of India’s most successful urban-regional connectivity projects, facilitating economic activity, reducing congestion and supporting regional development across western Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region.
