Over the past decade, India has embarked on an ambitious journey to overhaul its transport infrastructure, achieving remarkable progress across highways, railways, ports, inland waterways, and aviation. This transformation is driven by strategic initiatives such as PM GatiShakti, Bharatmala, Sagarmala, UDAN, and the National Logistics Policy, all underpinned by substantial government investments.
India’s national highway network has expanded by 60%, from 91,287 km in 2014 to 146,195 km in 2024. The construction pace has accelerated, with over 6,200 km of highways built in the 2023-24 fiscal year alone. The focus on high-speed corridors is evident, with the length increasing from 93 km in 2014 to 2,474 km in 2024. Additionally, the number of four-lane or wider national highways has more than doubled, rising from 18,278 km in 2014 to 45,947 km in 2024 . The Indian Railways network has undergone significant electrification, with 97% of the network now electrified. The introduction of 68 Vande Bharat semi-high-speed trains has enhanced connectivity across 24 states and 333 districts. These developments are part of a broader effort to modernise the railway system, including the construction of new tracks and the renewal of existing ones .
India’s major ports have seen an 87% increase in capacity since 2014. The turnaround time for ships has improved from 93 hours to 49 hours, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency. The inland waterways sector has also experienced growth, with cargo movement increasing from 18 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2014 to 133 MMT in 2024 . The number of operational airports in India has more than doubled, from 74 in 2014 to 160 in 2025. The UDAN scheme has played a pivotal role in this expansion, aiming to make air travel affordable and accessible to the masses. New airports, such as the Deoghar Airport in Jharkhand, have been inaugurated, enhancing connectivity to previously underserved regions.
These infrastructure advancements are not only about enhancing connectivity but also about promoting sustainable and inclusive development. The focus on electrification in railways and the promotion of inland waterways reflect a commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, initiatives like the UDAN scheme aim to make air travel accessible to a broader segment of the population, fostering inclusivity. India’s transport infrastructure has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. With continued investment and strategic planning, the country is poised to further enhance its connectivity, contributing to economic growth and development.
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