India's National Highway Network Witnesses Remarkable 60% Surge, Crossing 1.46 Lakh Kilometers in 2023

In a significant milestone for India's infrastructure development, the National Highway (NH) network has witnessed a remarkable surge of approximately 60%, soaring from 91,287 km in 2014 to an impressive 1,46,145 km in 2023. This surge places India as the possessor of the world's second-largest road network, totaling a vast 66.71 lakh km.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) attributes this substantial growth to the systematic push through a corridor-based National Highway development approach. The construction pace of National Highways has consistently risen from 2014-15 to 2023-24, showcasing the effectiveness of strategic initiatives.

A key contributor to this surge is the Bharatmala Pariyojana, launched by the Ministry with a primary focus on optimizing the efficiency of goods and people movement across the country. The project, approved in October 2017, emphasized a "corridor-based National Highway development" to ensure infrastructure symmetry and a consistent road user experience.

The status of Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase 1 reveals its significant footprint across 31 States and Union Territories, covering 550+ districts. With a total length of 34,800 km, the project has already witnessed the awarding of 27,384 km, of which an impressive 15,045 km has been successfully constructed. The first phase is anticipated to be completed by 2027-28.

National Highways, serving as vital arteries for economic and social development, enable efficient movement of freight and passengers, improving access to markets. MoRTH's commitment to enhancing the capacity of the National Highway infrastructure has not only bolstered connectivity but also positioned India as a global leader in road network expansion. The surge in road development is expected to fuel economic growth, creating a ripple effect on various sectors across the country.