India now manages the world's largest road network, spanning over 6.6 million kilometres.

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: From ancient trade routes like the Uttarapatha to a modern, sprawling infrastructure, India has transformed its connectivity. Today, its vast network carries the bulk of the nation's freight and passenger traffic. Yet, this rapid expansion brings unique challenges in safety, urban congestion, and the sheer scale of engineering required.

The history of Indian road development stretches back to approximately 2800 BC, with early infrastructure appearing in the ancient cities of Harappa and Mohenjodaro. Centuries later, the Uttarapatha—a major trade route following the Ganges—connected the subcontinent to distant regions like Bactria. This route, now known as the Grand Trunk Road, was repeatedly rebuilt by successive powers, including the Mauryan, Mughal, and British Empires. By the 1830s, the British East India Company initiated a formal program of metalled road construction, establishing the Public Works Department to oversee the effort.

Modernization accelerated significantly following India's economic liberalization in the 1990s. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), established in 1989, began spearheading massive projects like the Golden Quadrilateral, which linked Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata with high-speed highways. By 2023, India’s road network reached the second-largest status globally, and by June 2026, it became the largest in the world. Current initiatives like Bharatmala aim to construct over 83,000 kilometres of new highways, reflecting an aggressive push to improve logistics and regional connectivity.

Despite this growth, the network faces complex hurdles. While rural roads now account for nearly 73% of the total length, urban congestion remains a significant issue; in 2017, average traffic speeds in major cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad were recorded below 20 km/h. Furthermore, safety remains a critical concern. In 2016, India recorded the highest number of road fatalities globally, with nearly 300,000 deaths. Addressing these challenges requires balancing the rapid construction of high-speed expressways with the need for safer, more efficient transit for all road users.

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