India Builds World-Class Road Network for 2047

Roads That Power Progress

India is on a transformative journey. At the Road and Highways Summit in Delhi, Minister of State for Road, Transport & Highways, Shri Harsh Malhotra, shared a powerful message: the government is committed to building a world-class road and transport infrastructure for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and the strategic guidance of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the Ministry is building more than roads — it’s building connectivity, growth, and a better future for all.

India’s Road Network: A Giant Leap

In 2014, India had 91,000 kilometers of national highways. Today, that number has grown to 1.46 lakh kilometers, making it the second-largest road network in the world.

This expansion redefines travel in India. Roads are now faster, safer, and more efficient. They’re not just stretches of asphalt — they are the lifelines of India’s economy, connecting people, industries, and opportunities across the country.

Budget Boosts and Massive Investments

The numbers tell the story. Government spending on road infrastructure has grown 6.4 times from 2013–14 to 2024–25. The budget allocation for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways saw a 57% increase from 2014 to 2023–24.

These figures highlight the government’s deep commitment to economic growth through connectivity and mobility.

Creating Jobs, Empowering People

Road development isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s also about livelihoods. In recent years, road projects have created 45 crore man-days of direct employment. Indirect employment reached 57 crore man-days. Induced employment stood at a staggering 532 crore man-days.

This massive job creation proves how infrastructure projects uplift communities and create long-term economic impact.

North-East at the Forefront

In the last decade, the government constructed over 10,000 km of national highways in the North Eastern Region (NER). This reflects the Prime Minister’s strong commitment to the holistic development of the region and the goal of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

Smart Planning to Decongest Cities

The Delhi Decongestion Plan is set to revolutionize travel in the capital. The plan includes:

• Extension of Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway (NE-5) up to UER-II (NH-344M)
• Connection from Alipur to Delhi–Dehradun Expressway (NH-709B)
• A new tunnel from Dwarka Expressway near Shiv Murti to Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj

This comprehensive approach will reduce traffic, curb pollution, and drastically improve urban mobility in Delhi-NCR.

Comfort Meets Sustainability: 700+ Wayside Amenities

The Ministry plans to build over 700 Wayside Amenities (WSAs) by 2028–29. These facilities will include clean restrooms, quality food courts, fuel stations, rest areas, and EV charging stations.

This initiative aligns with the government’s goal of sustainable and traveler-friendly transport infrastructure.

Prioritizing Safety on Indian Roads

India is working hard to reduce road accidents. The Ministry has identified and rectified 14,000 accident-prone blackspots. Schemes like the Good Samaritan Scheme and the Cashless Golden Hour Scheme have saved lives by promoting immediate medical assistance.

Going Green: Eco-Friendly Highways

Under the Green Highways Policy and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, the Ministry has planted over 4.78 crore trees and transplanted 70,000 trees along highways.

That’s not all. The Ministry is using over 80 lakh tonnes of plastic waste in construction. Fly ash from thermal power plants is also being reused, cutting down on raw materials and emissions.

Every Road is a Step Toward Viksit Bharat@2047

Minister Harsh Malhotra closed his address with a powerful message. Every rupee invested in highways yields a threefold return to GDP. Roads generate jobs, boost industries, and strengthen national unity.

“We’re not just building roads,” he said. “We are laying the foundation of a prosperous, peaceful, and resilient Bharat.”