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Consider a map of India where the veins and arteries are pulsing with renewed vigour. Since 2014, the country has experienced a huge fundamental shift in its infrastructure. Under the leadership of Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari, the overall length of the National Highways (NH) network has increased from 91,287 kilometres in March 2014 to a remarkable 1,46,572 kilometres today.
This development is about more than just pouring asphalt; it is about bringing millions of commuters and companies closer to their goals.
Table of Contents
The Speed of Progress
The rate of construction has accelerated dramatically during the last decade. In recent years, the pace has reached approximately 34 km per day, up from an average of 11.6 km per day in 2014. This quick development assures that the idea of a “New India” is built on firm foundation.
Budget allocations have reflected this objective. With a 570% increase in the road transport budget over the past decade, the Ministry has been able to prioritise both quality and quantity.
Modernizing the Commute
The quality of the network has significantly improved. The length of four-lane and above roadways has expanded by 2.6 times, totalling 48,568 kilometres. More critically, the percentage of thin, less-than-two-lane highways has decreased from 30% to 9%.
This transition results in safer journeys, less congestion, and significantly shorter travel times between large industrial areas and rural markets.
The Rise of Expressways
One of the most noticeable developments is the proliferation of high-speed corridors. In 2014, India had only 93 kilometres of operational access-controlled motorways. Today, that figure has risen to 3,052 km, a staggering increase of more than 3,180%.
These high-speed routes, like as the Delhi-Mumbai and Bengaluru-Chennai motorways, are changing logistics by allowing trucks and cars to travel at consistent speeds without interference from local traffic.
Powering the Economy
Every kilometre of highway created serves as a catalyst for economic development. Recent studies show that every rupee spent on highway improvement increases the nation’s GDP by ₹3.2. The increased connectivity to industrial nodes and ports has reduced logistical costs, making Indian goods more competitive globally.
Furthermore, the construction phase alone provides a large number of jobs. It is estimated that just one lane-kilometer of highway requires about 9,000 person-days of direct and indirect labour.
Enhancing Connectivity
The expansion is largely focused on the “PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.” This ensures that roadways are built in conjunction with railways, ports, and airports. The goal is to provide “last-mile connectivity” for agricultural institutions and schools.
In treatment districts where new highways were built, the time to reach schools decreased by 16.6%, while the time to reach local Mandis (markets) decreased by 7%, directly benefiting the rural populace.
Technological Integration
Growth is both physical and digital. The installation of FASTag has transformed toll collection by eliminating long lines and conserving gasoline. Over 10 crore FASTags are now operational, enabling a smooth flow of traffic across the extended 1.46 lakh kilometre network.
Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) are also being used on newer lengths to monitor safety and deliver real-time updates to passengers.
A Greener Path Forward
Sustainability is becoming a key component in India’s National Highways expansion. The Ministry is promoting the use of recycled resources in road building, including plastic waste and fly ash.
Additionally, “Green Highways” are being constructed to offset carbon emissions through vast plants along corridors. These activities ensure that as the network grows, the environmental impact is monitored.
The Road Ahead
The government is not stopping at 1,46,572 kilometres. The goal is to complete 18,000 kilometres of high-speed routes by 2028-29. This forward-thinking approach keeps India on the move, linking every region of the country with world-class infrastructure.
The renovation of India’s National Highways demonstrates what vision and execution can accomplish in a single decade.
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