India’s Multi-Lane Highway Network Expands to 33% of Total NHs

28 Mar 2025 CW Team

The Government of India has significantly increased the share of four-lane and above National Highways (NHs), now accounting for over 33% of the total NH network, up from a much smaller percentage a decade ago. Meanwhile, the share of single-lane/intermediate-lane highways has been cut down to just 9%, reflecting the country’s focus on enhanced road capacity, improved safety, and seamless mobility.

National Highway Expansion: Key Statistics Total NH Network: 1.46 lakh km 4-lane and above NHs: 48,430 km Single-lane/intermediate-lane NHs: 13,000 km (9%) 2-lane NHs: 84,774 km (58%)

Major Ongoing and Approved NH Projects 636 NH projects (4/6/8-lane) covering 16,422 km at a cost of Rs 6.35 trillion are under construction. 8,852 km of NHs have been completed. 193 NH projects (4/6/8-lane) covering 5,496 km worth Rs 2.18 trillion have been approved/awarded. 24 eight-lane NH projects covering 546 km with an investment of Rs 444.01 billion are currently under construction.

Traffic Capacity of Multi-Lane NHs According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, traffic capacity increases substantially with lane expansion: 4-lane NHs: 10,500 passenger car units (PCUs) 6-lane NHs: 22,500 PCUs 8-lane NHs: 34,000 PCUs

The government’s push for highway widening aligns with India’s growing socio-economic needs, ensuring safer, more efficient road transport and reducing congestion and accidents. This update was provided by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, in response to a Lok Sabha question.

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