India is making rapid strides in expanding its national highway network, with 25 greenfield expressways covering a total length of 10,000 kilometres currently under construction. This major announcement was made by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, highlighting the government’s commitment to revolutionizing India’s road infrastructure under the Bharatmala Pariyojana programme.
These expressway projects, which are being executed across multiple states, are expected to significantly reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion, and strengthen last-mile connectivity for industries, logistics hubs, and key economic corridors. The new expressways are designed to be fully access-controlled, ensuring higher travel speeds, better road safety, and enhanced logistics efficiency.
The greenfield expressways are strategically planned to connect major economic centres and ports, support the manufacturing sector, and boost rural and urban connectivity. According to Gadkari, the construction of these corridors is progressing well and many sections are expected to be operational in the coming years. Once completed, the network will not only ease pressure on existing highways but also catalyse new economic zones and industrial clusters along the routes.
A key feature of these projects is the use of advanced engineering practices and sustainable construction methods. Emphasis is being laid on reducing construction costs through innovative designs and environmentally conscious planning. Land acquisition and clearances for most of these projects have already been completed, enabling faster execution and targeted delivery timelines.
These expressways form a crucial part of India’s ambitious highway development roadmap aimed at creating a seamless, efficient, and future-ready transport network. One of the largest infrastructure initiatives globally, the Bharatmala Pariyojana aims to enhance freight movement, reduce logistics costs, and ensure better regional integration.
Nitin Gadkari also reiterated the government's focus on developing world-class road infrastructure that not only meets current needs but is also capable of handling future traffic volumes. The ministry has been pushing for the use of modern construction technologies, digitization of project monitoring, and public-private partnerships to speed up delivery.
The expressway network, when fully operational, is expected to create lakhs of direct and indirect employment opportunities, attract private investments, and increase connectivity between key production and consumption centres. This development is aligned with India’s broader goal of achieving a $5 trillion economy, where efficient logistics and transport infrastructure play a vital role.
These greenfield expressways will complement existing highway networks and enhance connectivity between states, industrial belts, and border regions. Improved connectivity will also bring socio-economic benefits to rural areas by boosting access to markets, healthcare, and education. Additionally, the reduced travel time and fuel consumption will contribute to lower carbon emissions, aligning the project with India’s sustainability goals.
The government’s vision is to make India’s highway infrastructure comparable with global standards, with expressways designed for higher speeds, safety, and durability. With 25 greenfield expressways already under construction and several more in the pipeline, India is on a clear path toward building a modern, interconnected transport network that supports both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
As the projects near completion in a phased manner, they are expected to bring tangible changes in how goods and people move across the country. For millions of daily commuters and transporters, this will translate into reduced costs, faster transit, and safer roads, further propelling India’s economic momentum.
