India's National Highway Network Expanded by 60% since 2014: MoRTH
India boasts the second-largest road network globally, with its National Highways stretching over 146,195 km, forming the country's primary arterial network. To further enhance and fortify this infrastructure, the Government of India has launched several key initiatives, including the Bharatmala Pariyojana. This flagship program incorporates the National Highway Development Project (NHDP), the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North-East Region (SARDP-NE), the development of roads in Left Wing Extremism-affected Areas (LWE), such as the Vijayawada-Ranchi Road, and Externally Aided Projects (EAP).
Over the years, the National Highway network has grown substantially, expanding by 60% from 91,287 km in 2014 to 146,195 km today. The length of National High-Speed Corridors has also surged from 93 km in 2014 to 2,474 km, demonstrating the country's commitment to modernizing its transportation infrastructure.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, has approved the development of eight significant National High-Speed Corridor projects. These will span 936 km and cost Rs. 50,655 crore, underscoring the government's determination to strengthen road connectivity across the nation.
In addition to expanding the road network, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has implemented the Toll Operate and Transfer (TOT) model under asset monetization. During FY 2023-24, NHAI successfully monetized four TOT bundles, generating Rs. 15,968 crore, bringing the total to Rs. 42,334 crore.
As part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) plans to develop a network of 35 Multimodal Logistics Parks to further streamline the transportation and logistics sectors.
To ensure last-mile connectivity to operational and under-construction ports across the country, MoRTH has developed a comprehensive Port Connectivity Masterplan. This initiative aims to boost industrial growth and internal trade, with 59 critical infrastructure projects, totaling approximately 1,300 km, selected for implementation.
In a significant move to improve regional connectivity, the Hon’ble Prime Minister recently inaugurated the 2,320-meter-long Sudarshan Setu Bridge, also known as the Okha-Beyt Dwarka Signature Bridge. Built at a cost of around Rs. 980 crore, this cable-stayed bridge connects Okha mainland to Beyt Dwarka Island and is expected to become a major tourist attraction in the Devbhumi Dwarka region.
The government has also developed the All India Tourist Permit Module, which allows tourist vehicle operators to transport tourists and their luggage seamlessly across the country. This system eliminates the need for multiple permits, enhancing mobility and supporting the tourism sector.
In the area of road safety, the government is working on a scheme to provide cashless treatment to victims of road accidents caused by motor vehicles. Additionally, 80 Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities are currently operational across 19 states and UTs, with 66 more under construction as of December 16, 2024.
Finally, the government has prioritized the identification and rectification of black spots (accident-prone areas) on National Highways, committing to improve road safety through engineering measures to reduce accidents and enhance overall road safety.
