India is gearing up for another major expansion of its national highway network, with the government setting an ambitious 10,000-km construction target for FY2025-26. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) outlined this goal as part of its broader strategy to maintain steady infrastructure growth while improving national connectivity.
A significant portion of this target focuses on regional inclusivity. Out of the planned length, 1,100 km will be built across the North-Eastern states and 750 km in tribal regions, underscoring the government’s intent to strengthen accessibility in remote and underserved areas. Additionally, around 5,800 km of high-speed corridors are expected to be operationalised, which will boost freight movement, reduce travel time and improve logistics efficiency.
MoRTH also aims to raise ₹30,000 crore through asset monetisation, using models such as Toll–Operate–Transfer (ToT) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs). This capital recycling approach allows the government to fund new projects while leveraging the value of completed ones. Moreover, ₹35,000 crore in private investments is being targeted for the upcoming fiscal year, with nearly 30% of new highway projects expected to be awarded under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.
Currently, around 37,000 km of national highway projects are under execution nationwide, with approximately 15,000 km already completed by December 2024. The FY26 roadmap reflects a balanced approach: expanding construction, strengthening regional infrastructure and ensuring sustainable financial planning through monetisation and private-sector participation.
