Sun Apr 13 06:36:16 UTC 2025: ## India to Invest ₹10 Lakh Crore in Highway Upgrades

**New Delhi, April 13, 2025** – The Indian government plans a massive ₹10 lakh crore (approximately US$120 billion) investment over the next two years to significantly upgrade the nation’s highway infrastructure, with a particular focus on the Northeast region. Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the initiative, stating the goal is to bring Northeast highways to a standard comparable to those in the United States.

The ambitious plan involves 784 highway projects in eastern states alone, costing an estimated ₹3,73,484 crore and covering 21,355 km. Significant investments are also earmarked for other states, including Assam (₹57,696 crore), Bihar (₹90,000 crore), West Bengal (over ₹42,000 crore), Jharkhand (₹53,000 crore), and Odisha (₹58,000 crore). The Northeast, excluding Assam, will receive approximately ₹1 lakh crore in funding this year.

Minister Gadkari highlighted the urgent need to improve infrastructure in the Northeast due to its challenging terrain and proximity to international borders. He emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming India’s infrastructure to match global standards. The minister also mentioned a pilot mass rapid transit project in Nagpur, using cost-effective, non-polluting buses, which could be replicated nationwide if successful.

The overall national highway network has seen substantial growth, expanding from 91,287 km in 2014 to 1,46,204 km currently, with a considerable reduction in the proportion of highways with less than two lanes. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) exceeded its 2024-25 construction target, building 5,614 km of national highways.

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