New Delhi, Feb 6: The construction of National Highways in India has experienced unprecedented growth, with the annual average increasing by 130 percent from 2014 to 2024, compared to the previous decade of 2004 to 2014.
This surge has resulted in the addition of 1,01,900 km of new highways over the last 10 years, Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari informed the Parliament on Thursday.
Currently, 1,366 projects covering approximately 32,366 km are under development across the country, including key regions like Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and the northeastern states. These projects are at various stages of progress, with many expected to be completed in phases by the financial year 2028. Some projects remain under evaluation for termination or foreclosure.
During the session, Gadkari also highlighted the introduction of cutting-edge construction technology through the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). One notable initiative is the pilot implementation of the Automated & Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AIMC) system on the Lucknow-Kanpur Greenfield Expressway. The AIMC system employs advanced machinery such as GPS-guided motor graders, intelligent compactors, and stringless pavers to improve efficiency and construction quality.
“The AIMC system brings multiple advantages, including faster project completion, real-time digital monitoring, enhanced productivity, and better control over construction parameters like smooth and uniformly compacted road surfaces,” Gadkari explained. He added that the government is working on finalizing a policy to promote the use of AIMC across future National Highway projects.
The minister underscored that all construction activities are conducted in accordance with strict government standards, including guidelines from the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) that define quality and safety requirements. Contractors and concessionaires are primarily responsible for adhering to these standards during the execution of the projects.
Road safety is a key focus at every stage of highway development—from design and construction to operation and maintenance. Road safety audits are conducted during the design phase to ensure that proposed plans meet safety standards. Safety measures are implemented during construction to safeguard traffic movement through work zones. Once operational, periodic audits assess whether existing safety measures are functioning effectively or require enhancements.
To ensure compliance with quality standards, independent engineers, authority engineers, and officials from executing agencies perform regular inspections. In some cases, third-party auditors are brought in to evaluate the work. If any deficiencies are detected, they are promptly addressed by the contractors or concessionaires to maintain quality and safety, Gadkari concluded.
This rapid infrastructure expansion is expected to boost connectivity, improve logistics, and provide significant economic benefits, transforming India’s transportation network over the coming years. ( With inputs from IANS)