How Much Has India's Expressway Network Grown in the Last 11 Years?
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Synopsis
India's expressway network has seen unprecedented growth in the last 11 years. From just 93 km in 2014 to over 5,110 km now, this transformation reflects the government's commitment to enhancing national connectivity.
Key Takeaways
- The expressway network in India has grown from 93 km to 5,110 km since 2014.
- 2,636 km of this network is currently operational.
- The National Highways network has expanded significantly to 146,342 km.
- Highway construction pace has increased dramatically, reaching 34 km per day.
- A total investment of Rs. 7.8 lakh crore is being made in ongoing projects.
New Delhi, July 24 (NationPress) The length of access-controlled National High Speed Corridors in India, encompassing Expressways, has surged from a mere 93 km in March 2014 to approximately 5,110 km today, as stated by Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari during a parliamentary session on Thursday.
Out of this total of 5,110 km, 2,636 km has been made operational, the minister informed the Lok Sabha in a written response.
The overall length of India's National Highways network has expanded significantly from 91,287 km in March 2014 to 146,342 km presently, as noted by Gadkari in his reply.
Moreover, there has been a remarkable increase in the rate of highway construction across the nation over the past 11 years, rising from 12 km per day in 2014-15 to a record 34 km per day in 2023-24, with an estimated 29 km per day expected in 2024-25.
Currently, 1,240 national highway projects covering 29,400 km are under development with an investment of Rs. 7.8 lakh crore, according to Gadkari.
The minister also highlighted that the Centre has initiated the inclusion of approximately 54,004 km of state roads, including state highways (SHs) and greenfield stretches, as national highways since April 2014. This move has significantly accelerated highway development.
The government regularly receives proposals from various state governments and Union Territories for the designation of state roads, including SHs, as new National Highways. Decisions are based on established criteria for National Highway declarations, including connectivity needs, traffic volume, priority assessment, and alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP) as mentioned by the minister.
Currently, 206 under-construction NH projects with a total estimated cost of Rs. 91,290 crore are facing delays in Rajasthan and northeastern states, including Assam. Most of these projects are scheduled for phased completion by 2025-26, with only a few expected to extend beyond 2026-27. One specific NH project, costing Rs 410 crore, runs through Jalore district in Rajasthan, with a targeted completion in 2025-26, the minister added.
Point of View
The remarkable expansion of India's expressway network is a testament to the government's dedication to improving infrastructure and connectivity. This initiative is expected to enhance economic growth and regional development significantly.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current length of Expressways in India?
The length of Expressways in India has increased to approximately 5,110 km as of now.
How much has the construction pace of highways increased?
The pace of highway construction has accelerated from 12 km per day in 2014-15 to a peak of 34 km per day in 2023-24.
What is the investment made in national highway projects?
Currently, an investment of Rs. 7.8 lakh crore is allocated to 1,240 national highway projects under construction.
How has the National Highways network expanded?
The total length of India's National Highways network has grown from 91,287 km in March 2014 to 146,342 km today.
What are the future projections for highway completion?
Most of the delayed NH projects are scheduled for phased completion by 2025-26, with few extending beyond 2026-27.
