India Built Over 1 Lakh Km of Highways Under Construction

Major Milestone in National Highway Development

India has made significant progress in infrastructure development, with over 1,01,900 km of National Highways (NHs) constructed between April 2014 and December 2024. Additionally, 32,366 km of highways are currently under construction across the country, including in states like Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and the North-Eastern regions.

Key Highlights of National Highway Construction

Increased Annual Construction Rate

The average annual construction of NHs has increased by approximately 130% during 2014-2024 compared to the previous decade (2004-2014), reflecting a major boost in infrastructure growth.

Ongoing and Future Projects

Currently, 1,366 highway projects covering 32,366 km are under construction. Most of these projects are set for completion in phases by the financial year 2028. However, this excludes projects under consideration for termination or foreclosure.

Quality and Safety Standards

All NH projects adhere to strict quality and safety guidelines outlined by the Government for Road and Bridge Works and the Indian Roads Congress (IRC). The contractors are responsible for executing projects while meeting these safety standards.

Road Safety Measures

Ensuring road safety is a key priority throughout the project cycle, including:

• Design Stage: Road safety audits are conducted to ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Construction Stage: Construction zone safety measures are implemented for safe traffic movement.
• Operation Stage: Periodic road safety audits are performed to assess additional safety requirements.

Quality Checks and Monitoring

To maintain construction quality, government-appointed consultants (Authority's Engineer/Independent Engineer) and executing agencies perform random quality checks. In certain cases, third-party auditors are also engaged. Any deficiencies found during inspections must be rectified by the contractors.

Connectivity in Rajasthan

Jalore and Sirohi district headquarters in Rajasthan are well connected to the existing National Highway network via NH-325 and NH-62.

Statements from Key Officials

Speaking on the progress of highway construction, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, stated: "The government's commitment to expanding and modernizing India’s road infrastructure is evident from the rapid progress in highway construction. We are ensuring quality and safety while aiming for timely completion of projects."
A senior industry expert also remarked: “The increase in highway construction not only boosts connectivity but also strengthens economic development by facilitating smoother transportation.”

Future Prospects

With an ambitious target to complete ongoing projects by 2028, India is set to enhance its national highway network significantly. The government’s focus on quality, safety, and sustainability ensures that these developments will contribute to long-term economic growth and improved connectivity.
The progress in highway construction marks a crucial step in India’s infrastructure transformation, benefiting both urban and rural regions nationwide.

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