India’s Highway Network Touches 1.46 Lakh Km, Ranks Second Largest Globally

New Delhi, Dec 30: India has dramatically expanded its highway network over the past 11 years, becoming the second largest globally, with national highways now spanning 146,560 km.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) reported a growth of roughly 61%, increasing from 91,287 km in 2014 to 146,560 km by 2025. Key initiatives contributing to this expansion include the Bharatmala Pariyojana, SARDP-NE, and the LWE Road Development Programme.

Notably, operational access-controlled corridors rose from just 93 km in 2014 to 3,052 km at the year’s end, while the length of 4-lane highways more than doubled to 43,512 km. MoRTH has successfully monetized ₹1,52,028 crore through asset monetization, with a target of ₹30,000 crore for FY 2025-26 and an ambitious project pipeline of 13,400 km at a projected cost of ₹8.3 lakh crore.

The ministry is also focusing on multi-modal logistics parks under Bharatmala, with plans for 35 parks to handle around 700 million metric tonnes of cargo. Additionally, user experience will improve with new wayside amenities and advancements in ropeway infrastructure for better connectivity in hilly areas.

Recent highlights include the inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel and significant road projects in Jammu & Kashmir. The introduction of hydrogen-powered trucks marks a shift towards clean energy.

Other initiatives involve enhancing vehicle safety with mandatory high-security registration plates, and the implementation of a cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims. The BhoomiRashi Portal has streamlined land acquisition processes, while new FASTag-based systems and electronic toll collection aim to facilitate smoother travel on national highways.