India’s national highway network has expanded to over 1.46 lakh kilometres, becoming the world’s second-largest, a testament to rapid infrastructure development. This monumental growth, driven by substantial government investment, is not merely about connectivity but about fostering economic prosperity, job creation, and sustainable urban-rural integration. The focus on green practices and safety underscores a commitment to building a resilient and eco-friendly future for all citizens.
Under the visionary leadership driving the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, India has witnessed an unprecedented pace and scale of highway construction over the past 11 years. This aggressive expansion has seen government spending on road infrastructure grow 6.4 times between 2013-14 and 2024-25, with budget allocation increasing by 57 per cent from 2014 to 2023-24. These modern highways are envisioned as lifelines of progress, connecting people, industries, and opportunities, thereby redefining the travel experience to be faster, safer, and significantly more comfortable for every citizen.
The impact of this infrastructure boom extends profoundly into employment generation. The road sector has created an impressive 45 crore man-days of direct employment, 57 crore man-days of indirect employment, and a staggering 532 crore man-days of induced employment across various sectors. This demonstrates the substantial human angle of these projects, providing livelihoods and empowering communities, particularly in the North Eastern Region (NER), where over 10,000 kilometres of National Highways have been constructed in the past decade, ensuring balanced regional growth.
A strategic focus on urban sustainability is evident in initiatives like the Delhi Decongestion Plan. This comprehensive strategy includes extensions of key expressways and the construction of a road tunnel from Dwarka Expressway to Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj. These projects aim to significantly reduce traffic congestion and pollution in the capital, improving intra-city connectivity and contributing directly to cleaner air and a reduced carbon footprint, vital for creating eco-friendly and liveable cities.
Environmental stewardship is a core tenet of this expansion. Through initiatives like the Green Highways Policy and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, over 4.78 crore trees have been planted, and around 70,000 trees transplanted along national highways, creating substantial carbon sinks. Furthermore, sustainable construction practices are being widely adopted, with over 80 lakh tonnes of plastic waste and fly ash from thermal power plants incorporated into major projects. This innovative approach reduces the demand for raw materials and lowers emissions, driving India towards its zero net carbon goals.
Road safety remains a top priority, with over 14,000 accident-prone blackspots rectified. The successful implementation of schemes like the Good Samaritan Scheme and the Cashless Golden Hour Scheme further reinforces the commitment to protecting lives. These safety measures, combined with the development of over 700 Wayside Amenities (WSAs) by 2028-29 offering clean restrooms, quality food, and EV charging points, ensure that the expanded network promotes gender-neutral and equitable access, enhancing the travel experience for all citizens.
The construction of these modern highways is pivotal to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Every rupee invested in highway development is estimated to yield a threefold return to the GDP, unlocking vast employment opportunities and opening multiple channels for revenue generation. India is not merely building roads; it is laying the foundation for a prosperous, peaceful, and resilient Bharat, where infrastructure development serves the larger interest of society and its burgeoning cities.
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