Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has stated that India’s road infrastructure will be comparable to the United States within the next two years. According to him, several foreign visitors have already admitted that parts of India’s infrastructure are ahead of America’s. He credited this progress to a decade of increased government investment under the Modi administration.
Major Projects Underway
The government is currently developing 25 greenfield expressways, a 3,000 km-long port connectivity highway, and religious tourism circuits worth ₹1 lakh crore. In addition, 36 tunnels are being built between Jammu and Srinagar, with 23 already completed, and around 15 ropeways are being developed under the Parvatmala Yojana. Plans also include 35 multi-modal logistics parks and better access to pilgrimage routes such as the Char Dhams and Buddhist circuit.
Logistics Cost Cut From 16% to 9%
Gadkari said India’s high logistics cost had previously hindered exports and industrial growth. Compared to 16% in India earlier, the cost is only 8% in China and 12% in the US and Europe. However, improved highways and reduced congestion have helped bring India’s logistics cost down to 9%, making exports more competitive and supporting agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
Second-Largest Road Network in the World
India now has the second-largest road network globally, with National Highways spanning around 1.46 lakh kilometres. These routes are considered the lifeline of the country’s transportation system. Gadkari added that the current improvements are just the beginning and that the full impact will become visible in the coming years.
