Highways

India's roads and highways sector is a cornerstone of its infrastructure strategy, vital for economic growth and connectivity. It hosts the world’s second-largest road network, spanning over 6.34 million kilometres, including 1,46,204 km of national highways and 1,79,535 km of state highways. The sector has seen rapid expansion in recent years: the length of National High-Speed Corridors (HSC) has grown from 93 km in 2014 to 2,474 km today, with 3,600 km built in the last five years. The pace of highway construction has accelerated from about 11.6 km/day in 2013-14 to nearly 34 km/day in 2025. Between 2013-14 and 2024-25, work awards for national highways rose 108% and construction by 150%, while the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways’ (MoRTH)  investment in road infrastructure grew 6.4 times.

To attract private capital, financing models such as Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) and Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) have been implemented. The use of digital project management tools and geospatial technologies has enhanced efficiency, while sustainability remains a priority through adoption of green practices.

MoRTH is driving growth through flagship programs. Bharatmala Pariyojana targets 34,800 km of highways with INR 5.35 lakh crore investment to boost connectivity across economic corridors, borders, and remote regions. Similarly, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) strengthens rural connectivity and improves access to markets, education, and healthcare. These initiatives and reforms are set to transform India’s infrastructure, spur economic progress, and enhance connectivity nationwide.