India’s National Highway Network Grows Nearly 61% to Over 1.46 lakh km Since 2014
- IBEF
- September 30, 2026
India’s National Highway network has grown by nearly 61%, reaching over 1.46 lakh km in March 2026 from more than 91,000 km in 2014, according to the Government. The expansion has strengthened connectivity across the country, improved access to markets and supported the faster movement of people and goods. The growth in the highway network reflects continued infrastructure development aimed at improving road connectivity and supporting economic activity. Expanded highway coverage also enables better links between production centres, markets and logistics networks, supporting the movement of goods and people across regions.
The greening of India’s National Highway network is being guided by the Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance) Policy, 2015. The policy provides a framework for plantation activities along National Highways while seeking to reduce the impact of air pollution and dust. It also aims to create employment opportunities for local communities through activities associated with plantation, transplantation, beautification and maintenance. The combination of network expansion and green highway initiatives is supporting the development of road infrastructure with greater emphasis on connectivity and environmental considerations. The continued expansion of the National Highway network is expected to strengthen access to markets and improve the efficiency of transportation across the country, while the plantation policy provides an approach to enhancing the environmental aspects of highway development and creating livelihood opportunities for local people.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
Partners
