India's Road to the Future: 10,000 KM of New Highways

The Union Government has set a target to construct 10,000 km of National Highways during FY 2025–26, following the completion of 10,660 km in FY 2024–25, according to a written reply by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in the Lok Sabha.

While road safety remains a key concern, the minister clarified that no separate data is maintained on accidents caused specifically by poor road design or structural deficiencies. However, the government is adopting technology-led solutions to address safety challenges on highways.

To this end, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) are being deployed in a phased manner to enhance real-time monitoring, traffic enforcement, and incident response.

ATMS is already operational on major expressways, including the Delhi–Meerut Expressway and the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, where it enables electronic surveillance and automated enforcement to improve traffic discipline and safety.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched five pilot ATMS projects, with systems installed on the Bangalore–Mysore Highway and Dwarka Expressway, while three additional corridors are currently under implementation.

This approach underscores the government’s commitment to expanding highway infrastructure while integrating smart mobility solutions for safer and more efficient travel across India.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.