The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has made significant strides in constructing 56,700 kilometers of National Highways (NHs) over the last decade. However, in 2025, the focus is shifting toward improving the quality of these highways’ construction and maintenance to provide a safer, more efficient experience for users. This marks a critical step toward overcoming current challenges and enhancing India’s highway infrastructure.
Expanding the National Highway Network
Since 2013-14, India’s National Highway network has seen a substantial expansion, increasing from 91,000 km to 146,000 km. This growth is a testament to MoRTH’s commitment to improving national connectivity. Despite this progress, issues related to the quality of some highways—such as the Delhi-Jaipur stretch (NH-48) and the Amritsar-Jamnagar Economic Corridor—have generated public criticism. In response, the Ministry has pledged to focus more on quality improvements in its future projects.
Under the leadership of Highways Secretary V Umashankar, MoRTH has launched several initiatives to ensure higher standards in both construction and maintenance. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has stressed the need for accountability in highway construction, expressing concern over subpar work in certain cases.
To address these issues, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced a performance rating system for concessionaires involved in highway construction and maintenance. These ratings will be reviewed every six months and published on the NHAI website and social media, promoting transparency and setting high performance standards.
Key infrastructure projects, including the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, and Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, are set to be completed in 2025. These expressways will provide faster, smoother travel, easing congestion and significantly reducing travel time.
In a shift from project-based development to a more holistic, corridor-based approach, the Ministry is prioritizing consistent quality, user convenience, and logistics efficiency. A recent scientific study utilizing GSTN and toll data has identified 50,000 km of high-speed highway corridors. By the end of the fiscal year, around 4,827 km of these corridors will be operational, marking a major milestone in India’s transport infrastructure.
To further improve user experience, the Ministry plans to introduce a multi-party, interoperable toll collection system using satellite navigation technology. This system will eliminate barriers and streamline toll transactions, minimizing travel delays and enhancing highway efficiency.
Boosting the Maritime Ecosystem
Alongside road infrastructure, the government is also investing heavily in the maritime sector. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has highlighted that Rs 54 trillion of the projected Rs 80 trillion investment in the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 will be directed toward enhancing India’s ship ownership, ship-building, and registration sectors.
The development of Vadhavan Port, which is set to become one of the world’s top 10 ports, as well as major projects at Kandla, Tuticorin, and the Galathea Bay Transshipment Hub, will significantly strengthen India’s maritime infrastructure. Domestic shipyards are also forming partnerships with international firms to build and repair ships, helping to revitalize the port and shipping industry.
By emphasizing quality and sustainability, MoRTH’s initiatives in 2025 aim to set new standards in highway construction and maintenance. With the integration of advanced technologies, increased accountability, and a corridor-based approach, MoRTH is positioned to transform India’s transportation infrastructure. Combined with progress in maritime infrastructure, these efforts will drive India’s growth and establish a robust, efficient infrastructure ecosystem for the future.
