India’s highway network is no longer just about faster travel, it is steadily emerging as a strong economic corridor driving growth across regions. Speaking at the 31st Delhi Dialogues, Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra highlighted how road infrastructure has transformed the country’s economic landscape over the last decade.
He noted that while around 92,000 km of national highways were built in the 65 years after Independence, nearly 1.46 lakh km have been added in just the last 11 years. This rapid expansion has significantly improved connectivity, especially to remote and underserved areas, helping businesses reach new markets and people access essential services more easily.
The speed of construction has also seen a major jump, from about 12 km per day earlier to nearly 32 km per day today. High-speed corridors and expressways have improved logistics efficiency, reduced travel time and enhanced road safety. At present, India has around 2,500 km of high-speed corridors.
Rural connectivity has received special attention through focused road-building programmes. Over seven lakh km of rural roads have been constructed in the last decade, improving access for farmers, reducing transportation losses and supporting local economies.
The minister underlined that every rupee invested in highways generates nearly three rupees in economic output. By linking industries, ports, logistics hubs and villages, highways are becoming vital economic corridors that support employment, trade and long-term national growth.
