India’s Road to Progress: Second-Largest Road Network in the World
India has achieved a major infrastructure milestone by emerging as the country with the second-largest road network in the world, after the United States. With a network spanning over 6.6 million kilometers, India has surpassed China and continues to expand rapidly. This transformation has not only reshaped the transportation landscape but also fueled economic growth, rural development, and connectivity.
1. India’s Road Network: A Snapshot
As of 2025, India’s total road network is estimated to be around 6.6 million kilometers. This includes national highways, state highways, district roads, rural roads, and urban roads. The network is now only behind the United States, which has about 6.8 million kilometers of roadways.
The breakdown of India’s road network is as follows:
- National Highways (NHs): Approx. 1.5 lakh km
- State Highways: Over 1.8 lakh km
- Rural Roads (PMGSY & others): Over 4 million km
- Urban Roads and Other District Roads: Around 1.2 million km combined
This expansion has occurred steadily over the past two decades and has accelerated sharply in recent years due to dedicated policies, technology adoption, and increased funding.
2. Growth in the Past Decade
India’s road infrastructure has seen a significant transformation since 2014. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the length of national highways has increased by more than 59%, from 91,287 km in 2013-14 to over 145,000 km by 2023-24.
Several key initiatives drove this growth:
- Bharatmala Pariyojana: A centrally sponsored project focused on optimizing freight and passenger movement across India.
- PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana): Aimed at connecting rural habitations with all-weather roads.
- State and Urban Road Projects: In coordination with Smart City Mission and urban local bodies.
On average, over 36 km of national highways were built every day in 2022-23, a significant increase from just 12 km/day in 2014.
3. Reasons Behind the Growth
India’s road infrastructure development is the result of focused policy action and increasing investment:
a. Economic Necessity
Roads are the backbone of India’s logistics and transport sector. Over 60% of freight and 85% of passenger traffic in India moves via road. With increasing urbanization and industrial activity, a better road network is crucial for economic growth.
b. Employment and Rural Connectivity
Large-scale construction projects generate millions of jobs, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. Projects like PMGSY have helped reduce rural isolation, enabling better access to education, healthcare, and markets.
c. Government Investment
Budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways rose sharply from ₹33,000 crore in 2013-14 to over ₹2.7 lakh crore in 2023-24. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), international loans, and EPC (Engineering Procurement Construction) models have also contributed.
d. Technology and Fast-Tracking
The use of technologies like GIS mapping, satellite imaging, drone surveys, and digital monitoring dashboards has helped speed up construction timelines and improve quality.
4. Comparison with Global Road Networks
Here is how the top three countries compare in terms of total road length:
| Country | Total Road Network (approx.) |
|---|---|
| United States | 6.8 million km |
| India | 6.6 million km |
| China | 5.2 million km |
While the United States still leads in terms of quality and lane density, India has taken a commanding position in terms of sheer length. This ranking reflects the country’s vast geographic diversity and population needs.
5. Challenges Faced
Despite the tremendous growth, India’s road sector faces several challenges:
a. Quality and Safety
India has one of the highest road accident rates globally. In 2022 alone, there were over 4.6 lakh road accidents, resulting in 1.55 lakh deaths. Poor road design, lack of signage, over-speeding, and inadequate enforcement are major issues.
b. Maintenance Deficit
Many rural and state roads suffer from neglect and poor upkeep. Potholes, narrow roads, and lack of drainage affect usability and safety.
c. Land Acquisition and Delays
Many highway projects are delayed due to land acquisition issues, legal hurdles, and coordination problems between agencies.
6. Innovations and Reforms
India is introducing several innovations to address these issues and improve efficiency:
- Green Highways: Use of recycled plastic, fly ash, and waste materials to make roads more sustainable.
- FASTag and Toll Reforms: Digital toll collection has helped reduce wait times and fuel wastage.
- Hybrid Annuity Models (HAM): A mix of government and private investment in road construction.
- Electronic Monitoring: Use of drones and satellite images to track construction and quality in real time.
7. Impact on Economy and Society
The growth of India’s road network has a multiplier effect:
- Trade and Logistics: Faster movement of goods has lowered logistics costs and improved delivery timelines.
- Tourism: Improved connectivity has given a boost to tourism, especially in remote and ecologically sensitive areas.
- Education and Health Access: Roads have made schools and health centers more accessible in villages.
- Regional Development: Areas like Northeast India and border states have seen major improvements in connectivity, fostering integration and development.
8. Vision for the Future
India aims to continue this momentum with several ambitious targets:
- Building 50,000 km of new highways under Bharatmala Phase-II
- Expanding Expressways: The country is developing over 27 expressways like Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Amritsar-Katra, Bengaluru-Chennai, etc.
- Electric Highway Corridors: Plans are underway for dedicated e-highways to support electric vehicles (EVs).
- Smart and Intelligent Roads: Integration of sensors, traffic control systems, and solar panels for future-ready infrastructure.
Conclusion
India’s achievement of having the second-largest road network in the world is a testament to its commitment to infrastructure-led growth. From national highways to village roads, the progress made in the past decade has transformed the way people and goods move across the country.
However, with this expansion comes responsibility — to maintain quality, ensure safety, promote sustainability, and plan for the future. With sustained investment, policy reforms, and technological innovation, India is on track to not only maintain its global position but also make its roadways safer, smarter, and more inclusive.
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