Road Network in India: National Highways, Projects, Govt Initiatives | IBEF

Highway construction in India increased at 17.00% CAGR between FY16-FY21. Despite pandemic and lockdown, India has constructed 13,298 km of highways in FY21. Under the Union Budget 2022-23, the Government of India has allocated Rs. 199,107.71 crore (US$ 26.04 billion) to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. In FY22 (until December), the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways constructed national highways extending 5,835 kms. In June 2021, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways constructed 2,284 kms of national highways compared with 1,681 kms in June 2020.

In October 2020, the foundation stone was established for nine National Highway projects—with a total length of ~262 kms—worth >Rs. 2752 crore (US$ 371.13 million) in Tripura.

The Government of India has allocated Rs. 111 lakh crore (US$ 1.4 trillion) under the National Infrastructure Pipeline for FY 2019-25. The roads sector is likely to account for 18% capital expenditure over FY 2019-25.

In October 2020, the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) is making progress towards integrating its road and highway portfolio. The NIIF has acquired Essel Devanahalli Tollway and Essel Dichpally Tollway through the NIIF master fund. These road infra-projects will be supported by Athaang Infrastructure, NIIF’s proprietary road network, assisted by a team of established professionals with diverse domain expertise in the transport field.