The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has constructed an impressive 56,700 kilometres of National Highways (NHs) over the past decade. However, in 2025, the focus is shifting toward enhancing the quality of construction and maintenance of these highways, ensuring a safer and more efficient experience for road users. This marks a significant step in addressing challenges and elevating the standards of India’s highway infrastructure.
Expanding the National Highway Network
Since 2013-14, the total length of NHs in India has increased substantially from 0.91 lakh km to 1.46 lakh km. This expansion reflects MoRTH’s commitment to improving connectivity across the nation. Despite this progress, concerns about the quality of certain highways, such as the Delhi-Jaipur stretch (NH-48) and the Amritsar-Jamnagar Economic Corridor, have drawn criticism on social media. Recognising these issues, the ministry has pledged to prioritise quality improvements in its future projects.
Under the leadership of the newly appointed Highways Secretary V Umashankar, MoRTH has initiated several measures to enhance the quality of construction and maintenance of NHs. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has consistently emphasised the importance of accountability in highway construction, expressing frustration over subpar execution in some cases.
To address this, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced a comprehensive performance rating system for concessionaires engaged in highway construction and maintenance. The ratings, evaluated every six months, will be published on the NHAI website and social media platforms to ensure transparency and encourage high standards.
Major Expressways to Be Completed in 2025
Key infrastructure projects, including the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, and Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, are on track for completion in 2025. These expressways promise to deliver smoother and faster travel experiences, reducing congestion and travel time significantly.
Shifting from a project-based to a corridor-based development approach, the ministry is focusing on consistent standards, user convenience, and logistics efficiency. A scientific transport study leveraging GSTN and toll data has identified 50,000 km of high-speed highway corridors. By the end of the fiscal year, operational high-speed corridors are expected to reach 4,827 km, marking a significant milestone in India’s transportation landscape.
Barrier-Free Toll Collection and Technology Integration
To enhance user convenience, the ministry plans to introduce a multi-party interoperable system for barrier-free toll collection based on satellite navigation technology. This initiative will ensure seamless toll transactions and reduce travel delays, further improving highway efficiency.
Boosting the Maritime Ecosystem
Complementing road infrastructure development, the government is also investing heavily in the maritime sector. According to Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Rs 54 trillion of the projected Rs 80 trillion Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 investment is aimed at enhancing India’s ship ownership, ship-building, and registration ecosystem.
The construction of Vadhavan Port, poised to become one of the world’s top 10 ports, and major infrastructure projects at Kandla, Tuticorin, and Galathea Bay Transshipment Hub, will significantly strengthen India’s maritime capabilities. Domestic shipyards are also collaborating with global players to establish shipbuilding and repair clusters, paving the way for a rejuvenated port and shipping industry.
With a focus on quality and sustainability, the ministry’s initiatives in 2025 aim to set new benchmarks for highway construction and maintenance. By integrating advanced technologies, fostering accountability, and adopting a corridor-based approach, MoRTH is poised to transform India’s transportation infrastructure. Alongside maritime advancements, these efforts will support India’s growth trajectory, creating a robust and efficient infrastructure ecosystem for the future.