Transforming India’s Highways: A Surge in Four-Lane Construction Signals Infrastructure Revolution Lede: The landscape of India’s highways is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with nearly half of the highways built in the current fiscal year set to be four-lane or wider, marking a significant increase from previous years. This surge in infrastructure development reflects the government’s ambitious goals to enhance connectivity, reduce logistics costs, and pave the way for economic growth.
Massive Growth in Construction of Highways in India
In a significant development, data reveals that 43% of all national highway stretches built in 2023-24 are four-lane and above highways. This marks a substantial increase in the construction pace, with four-, six-, and eight-lane stretches witnessing a 16% growth to reach 3,297km.
Moreover, the annual construction of highways boasting more than four lanes has tripled since 2013-14, showcasing a remarkable shift towards wider and more efficient road networks. In 2022-23 alone, a total of 4,635km of four-lane and above highways were constructed, a stark rise from the 1,332km recorded in 2013-14.
The government has set ambitious targets, aiming to increase the length of four-lane and above highways from 47,000km to 75,000km by 2030. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to convert all national highways to at least two-laned highways within the same timeframe.
This transformation is further underscored by the substantial budgetary allocation for the highway sector, which has surged from Rs 31,130 crore in 2013-14 to an impressive Rs 2.8 lakh crore for 2024-25. Overall investment in the highway sector has also witnessed substantial growth, increasing from Rs 59,135 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 2.23 lakh crore in 2023-24.
The government’s sharp focus on building wider highways and expressways is aimed at reducing logistics costs, a move that is expected to have far-reaching benefits for the economy. This strategic shift is evident in the prioritization of wider highways and expressways since 2019-20, with a clear plan in place to triple the annual construction rate of highways with four lanes or more compared to 2013-14.
The overarching goal of enhancing transport infrastructure to lower logistics costs reflects the government’s commitment to driving economic growth and fostering connectivity across the country. With a concerted effort towards building robust and efficient road networks, India is poised for a new era of development and progress.