India’s Top 10 States with Longest National Highway Network (2025)

IN NEWS: India’s Top 10 States with Longest National Highway Network (2025)

Introduction

India’s National Highway (NH) network has witnessed rapid expansion, reflecting the country’s strong push towards infrastructure-led growth. As per recent data presented in the Lok Sabha by Nitin Gadkari, the total NH length has increased significantly, strengthening connectivity, logistics, and economic integration across regions.

ANALYSIS

Expansion of National Highway Network

India’s NH network expanded from 91,287 km (2014) to 1,46,342 km (June 2025) — an increase of 55,055 km. This reflects a mission-mode approach under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.Simultaneously, access-controlled expressways/high-speed corridors increased from 93 km (2014) to 5,110 km, out of which 2,636 km are operational, indicating a shift towards high-speed mobility and logistics efficiency.

Top 10 States with Longest NH Network (2025)

Key Trends and Insights

1. Dominance of Large & Economically Active States

States like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh lead due to:

• Large geographical area
• High population density
• Strong industrial and commercial activity

2. Central India’s Strategic Role

Madhya Pradesh ranks 4th, highlighting its role as a transportation hub (Heart of India) connecting north-south and east-west corridors.3. Growth in Eastern States

States like Bihar and Odisha show significant expansion, improving:

• Rural connectivity
• Market access
• Regional development

4. Shift Towards High-Speed Corridors

The rise in expressways and access-controlled highways indicates:

• Focus on faster freight movement
• Reduction in logistics cost
• Boost to industrial corridors and exports

Economic and Developmental Significance

Expansion of NH network contributes to:

• Improved trade efficiency and logistics
• Reduction in travel time and fuel costs
• Promotion of regional balance and inclusive growth
• Strengthening of national integration and connectivity

Challenges

• Land acquisition and environmental clearances
• Maintenance and quality control of highways
• Rising traffic congestion in high-density corridors
• Need for integration with multi-modal transport systems

Way Forward

• Expansion of green highways and sustainable infrastructure
• Integration with railways, ports, and inland waterways
• Adoption of intelligent transport systems (ITS)
• Focus on last-mile connectivity and rural roads

STATIC PART

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

• Nodal Ministry for development and maintenance of National Highways
• Responsible for policy formulation, planning, and implementation of road infrastructure
• Works through agencies like NHAI (National Highways Authority of India)

National Highways in India

• Arterial roads connecting major cities, ports, and economic centres
• Constitute ~2% of total road network but carry ~40% of traffic

Updated – 25 July 2025 ; 07:06 PM IST | News Source: The Indian Express