Government Targets 10,000 km Highways in 2025-26

10,000 km Highway Development Planned for 2025-26

The government has set a target of constructing 10,000 km of national highways (NHs) in 2025-26, as per the latest Budget document. This is the lowest target in the past seven years since 2018-19. However, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is prioritizing the development of wider highways and expressways, aiming to construct 5,800 km of high-speed corridors in the next year.

Key Highlights of the Highway Development Plan

• 10,000 km National Highway Target: The lowest in the last seven years.
• 5,800 km High-Speed Corridors: Focus on expressways and wider highways.
• Monetization & Investments: Rs 30,000 crore from highway monetization and Rs 35,000 crore in private investments.
• Road Safety Measures: Rs 128 crore allocated for cashless treatment of road crash victims.
• Black Spot Removal & Safety Audits: 1,000 black spots to be removed and 40,000 km of highways to undergo safety audits.

Challenges in Meeting the Target

The FY26 target may be revised due to the slow pace of ongoing projects. Reduced awarding of new projects in 2023-24 and the current financial year is expected to impact construction in the coming years. Officials estimate that the NH construction for 2024-25 will reach around 10,500 km, compared to 12,349 km in 2023-24.

Official Statement from MoRTH

A senior official from the Ministry stated, “While the target for 2025-26 is lower than in previous years, our focus remains on high-speed corridors, expressway expansion, and improved road safety. We are also committed to increasing private participation and monetizing completed projects to generate additional funds.”

Road Safety & Infrastructure Improvements

The government is taking significant steps toward road safety and accident prevention. The cashless treatment scheme for road crash victims, currently active in Assam, Chandigarh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Puducherry, will be expanded nationwide. Additionally, the removal of 1,000 accident-prone black spots on highways and safety audits on 40,000 km of roads are part of the ministry’s action plan.

Highway Construction Trends Over the Years

Since 2018-19, national highway construction has seen fluctuations. The lowest construction was recorded in 2019-20 at 10,237 km, while the highest was in 2020-21 at 13,327 km despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. By mid-February 2025, approximately 8,000 km had been built, and officials expect to reach 10,500 km by March 2025.

Future Outlook

Despite a lower construction target, the government remains focused on long-term infrastructure development, highway monetization, and safety enhancements. With strategic private investments and expressway projects, India’s highway network is expected to expand significantly, supporting economic growth and improved connectivity across states.

Follow us for the Latest Infra Industry Updates

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/infrajunction/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/infra_junction/