Road Infrastructure in India

Government Initiatives

Some of the recent Government initiatives are as follows:

• In May 2026, the Government announced plans to invest Rs. 34,500 crore (US$ 3.66 billion) in expressways, ring roads, tunnels and elevated corridors to modernise Delhi's transport network and improve regional connectivity
• In May 2026, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) proposed awarding National Highway contracts only after obtaining key statutory approvals and making projects construction-ready to reduce execution delays, cost overruns and project risks.
• In May 2026, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) revised the bidding framework for Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) highway projects, allowing institutional investors to bid directly and boosting private investment in National Highway development.
• In April 2026, the Government introduced a temporary cost escalation compensation mechanism for National Highway projects by revising price adjustment norms and enabling monthly payments under EPC and HAM contracts for three months till June 2026. The initiative is expected to improve contractor liquidity and ensure uninterrupted project execution.
• In April 2026, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) revised construction timelines for National Highway projects, allowing execution periods of up to six years for complex projects to improve project planning and timely delivery
• In April 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the extension of PMGSY-IV by two years, sanctioned the construction of 161 additional long-span bridges and increased the programme outlay to strengthen rural road connectivity across the country
• In March 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the construction of the 101.5-km four-lane access-controlled Barabanki–Bahraich section of NH-927 in Uttar Pradesh at an investment of Rs. 6,969.04 crore (US$ 788.61 million) under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).
• In March 2026, Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), promoted by NHAI, signed an MoU with commercial vehicle aggregator platforms to integrate digital safety alerts, emergency response services and driver feedback mechanisms through the Rajmargyatra App, enhancing road safety and commuter experience on National Highways.
• In March 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the development of the 80.45-km Badnawar–Petlawad–Thandla–Timarwani section of NH-752D in Madhya Pradesh at an investment of Rs. 3,839.42 crore (US$ 434.47 million) under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) to strengthen connectivity with the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway.
• In February 25, 2026, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) launched a pilot project deploying Mobile Quality Control Vans (MQCVs) across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Odisha. The initiative marks a shift in approach—from simply building roads faster to ensuring they are built to last. By introducing real-time, on-site quality assessments, MoRTH aims to move from traditional post-construction inspections to proactive monitoring during project execution.
• In February 3, 2026, The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has proposed the upgradation of the 77.102 km Chitrakoot–Satna corridor from a two-lane road to a four-lane divided carriageway across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The project will strengthen regional and inter-state connectivity, enhance freight movement, reduce travel time and vehicle operating costs, and improve overall transport efficiency along a corridor linking key economic and urban centers.
• In February 3, 2026, The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has proposed the construction of a 156.10 km four-lane greenfield highway from Rourkela to Sithiyo, spanning Odisha and Jharkhand. The corridor will traverse five districts and is strategically aligned to connect PM GatiShakti economic nodes, including a seafood cluster and a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), strengthening regional and inter-state connectivity.
• On February 2026, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) initiated construction of a Rs. 3,147 crore (US$ 378 million) stretch of NH-43 under the Raipur–Dhanbad economic corridor, aimed at improving connectivity between Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and boosting coal and industrial logistics.
• Launched in 2013, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-II) focused on strengthening and upgrading the existing rural road network. As of mid-January 2026, a total of 6,612 roads covering 49,087 kilometres, along with 749 bridges, had been completed under this phase. Subsequently, PMGSY-III, approved in 2019, aims at consolidating 1.25 lakh kilometres of critical rural routes linking habitations to agricultural markets, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. Under PMGSY-III, more than 1.02 lakh kilometres of roads and 1,734 bridges have been completed to date.
• In February 13, 2026, The Government of India has sanctioned 82 infrastructure projects worth Rs 4,703.81 crore across the North Eastern Region under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS). Under NESIDS (Roads), projects focus on building physical assets such as roads, bridges and related infrastructure to improve connectivity across the region. Under NESIDS (Other Than Roads Infrastructure), projects target sectors including healthcare, education, water supply, industry, sports and telecommunications.
• On January 15, 2026, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways announced an expansion of the FASTag-based tolling system into a GPS-based toll collection mechanism, aimed at eliminating toll plazas and enabling seamless highway travel across India, reducing congestion and logistics costs.
• On October 29, 2025, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, announced a plan to upgrade 25,000 km of highways focusing on smart, sustainable road infrastructure, emphasizing economic development, investment, and employment generation. The sector’s revenue is expected to grow from Rs. 55,000 crore (US$ 6.17 billion) to Rs. 1.4 lakh crore (US$ 15.70 billion) within two years. This includes upgrading two-lane highways into four lanes to improve logistics and reduce costs.
• In September 2025, the government announced a massive Rs. 11 lakh crore (US$ 125 billion) initiative to build 17,000 km of high-speed, access-controlled expressways by 2033. About 40% of these are already under construction, with most expected to be completed by 2030.
• On September 9, 2025, Delhi received an Rs. 803 crore (US$ 90.93 million) boost under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for more than 140 road and flyover upgrade projects.
• On September 3, 2025, the government announced plans to introduce Bharat NCAP-like safety standards specifically for e-rickshaws, which are large in number across the country. This initiative seeks to improve road safety for this category of vehicles, inspired by the existing Bharat NCAP program launched in 2023.
• On August 22, 2025, Chief Minister of Odisha, Mr. Mohan Charan Majhi unveiled an ambitious plan to construct 30,000 km of rural roads and 500 bridges over five years. The plan focuses on quality, maintenance, and prioritizes tribal and Maoist-affected areas, aligning with PMGSY Phase-IV.
• On August 13, 2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, launched the "Road Safety Mitra" initiative across 19 districts of Maharashtra. This campaign engages college students in promoting safe driving habits and assisting during emergencies.
• In August 2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways released Rs. 120.15 crore (US$ 13.61 million) under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) to Uttarakhand for road repair.
• As of August 2025, under Bharatmala, 35 Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) are being developed with an estimated outlay of Rs. 50,000 crore (US$ 5.66 billion), supporting logistics and freight efficiency.
• The Union Cabinet approved the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (2024-29) with a total outlay of Rs. 70,125 crore (US$ 8.21 billion) for constructing 62,500 km of roads to connect 25,000 unconnected habitations and upgrade bridges.
• The government plans to develop about 26,000 km of economic corridors along with improving the Golden Quadrilateral and North-South East-West corridors. The Bharatmala scheme also emphasizes coastal and port connectivity, border roads, feeder routes, and greenfield expressways, all targeted for completion within five years from the announcement.
• India is planning to upgrade 25,000 km of two-lane highways to four lanes at Rs. 10,00,000 crore (US$ 117 billion). Additionally, 16,000 km of four-lane highways will be expanded to six lanes for Rs. 6,00,000 crore (US$ 69.93 billion). The work is expected to start by 2027.
• Over the past decade, under PMGSY, the target of connecting all habitations with population above thresholds has been met. This has improved rural connectivity and socio-economic transformation in rural areas.
• In a significant effort to enhance infrastructure, the government approved eight national high-speed corridor projects involving 936 km of highways at a total cost of Rs. 50,655 crore (US$ 6.09 billion).
• Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Mr. Nitin Gadkari, along with the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 29 National Highway projects covering 272 km and costing Rs. 5,233 crore (US$ 592.57 million).
• The GST on two-wheelers under 350cc was reduced from 28% to 18%, small cars to 18%, large cars to 40%, tractors from 12% to 5%, and buses with more than 10 seats from 28% to 18%. These reductions are expected to boost demand, support fleet expansion, and lower freight costs.