India’s National Highway Network Grows by 60%: Major Investments, Road Safety Upgrades, and Digital Reforms on the Cards

New Delhi, January 9, 2025: The Government of India continues to make remarkable progress in expanding and modernizing its national highways network through transformative initiatives under the Bharatmala Pariyojana and related programs. Here’s a comprehensive look at the achievements and future plans shaping the nation’s infrastructure landscape:

1. National Highway Network Expansion and Achievements

• The National Highway (NH) network has grown by 60%, expanding from 91,287 km in 2014 to 146,195 km by the end of 2024.
• The length of National High-Speed Corridors (HSC) has seen a massive increase from 93 km in 2014 to 2,474 km in 2024.
• The four-lane and above NH segments (excluding high-speed corridors) have more than doubled, expanding from 18,278 km in 2014 to 45,947 km.

2. Major Infrastructure Approvals and Investments

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, approved eight National High-Speed Corridor projects totaling 936 km with an investment of ₹50,655 crore.
• These projects are expected to generate approximately 4.42 crore man-days of employment across the country.

3. Asset Monetization and Funding Growth

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) successfully monetized four Toll Operate and Transfer (TOT) bundles during FY 2023-24, realizing ₹15,968 crore, bringing the total to ₹42,334 crore.
• Monetization models include:
  • TOT Model: Concession rights for toll collection with upfront payments.
  • InvIT Model: Infrastructure investment trust managing pooled investments.
  • SPV Model: Special purpose vehicles for securitization of toll revenue.

4. Multimodal Logistics Parks and Port Connectivity

• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) plans a network of 35 Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) under Bharatmala Pariyojana with a total investment of ₹46,000 crore, capable of handling 700 million metric tonnes of cargo.
• 15 priority locations are being developed with a total investment of ₹22,000 crore.
• To enhance last-mile connectivity, MoRTH has also developed a Port Connectivity Master Plan, identifying 59 critical projects covering approximately 1,300 km for development.

5. Iconic Infrastructure Projects Inaugurated

• The 2,320-metre-long Sudarshan Setu Bridge (Okha-Beyt Dwarka Signature Bridge) in Gujarat, built at a cost of ₹980 crore, was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
• This cable-stayed bridge connects Okha mainland and Beyt Dwarka island, eliminating the need for boats and boosting tourism in Devbhumi Dwarka.

6. Road Safety and Modernization Initiatives

• The government has prioritized road safety by identifying 13,795 accident blackspots on national highways, with 9,525 spots already rectified.
• Steps taken include:
  • Short-term measures like cautionary signage, rumble strips, and solar blinkers.
  • Long-term solutions like flyovers, underpasses, and service roads.

Other Key Safety Measures:

• Cashless Treatment for Accident Victims: A proposed scheme will cover cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per accident victim.
• Vehicle Scrapping: As of December 2024, 80 Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) are operational across 19 states/UTs, with 66 additional centers under construction.

7. Digital Reforms and Tourist Convenience

• The All India Tourist Permit Module (AITP), developed by NIC, allows tourist vehicle operators to transport tourists and their luggage seamlessly across India, eliminating the need for multiple permits.
• The government is also modernizing road infrastructure through the BhoomiRashi portal for transparent land acquisition and FASTag for electronic toll collection, enhancing efficiency and reducing traffic congestion.

8. Future Vision and Commitment

The Indian government remains committed to its goal of transforming the country’s infrastructure with a focus on safety, efficiency, and connectivity. With major expansions under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, increased funding through asset monetization, and digital reforms, the future of India’s national highway network looks promising.

This comprehensive development drive not only improves nationwide connectivity but also plays a vital role in boosting economic growth, tourism, and safety across the country.

Article based on the information shared by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways in an official press release titled, Year End Review 2024; Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.