The development and expansion of national highways (NHs) play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity, boosting economic activities, and improving transportation infrastructure across India. Over the last five years, several state roads, including state highways (SHs) and greenfield stretches, have been notified as NHs.
This transformation reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the road network across different states and union territories (UTs). The following analysis highlights the state-wise details of NH expansion from 2019-20 to 2023-24.
State-Wise Expansion of National Highways in India Over the Last Five Years
State-Wise Highlights of NH Expansion
- Andhra Pradesh: Significant expansion in 2020-21 (846 km), followed by gradual additions in the next two years.
- Arunachal Pradesh: Major growth in 2022-23 with 1,748 km of roads notified as NHs.
- Assam: Limited expansion, with minor additions in 2020-21 and 2021-22.
- Bihar: Notable progress in 2020-21 (413 km) and a minor rise in 2023-24.
- Chhattisgarh & Goa: Minimal expansion with only a few kilometers added.
- Gujarat: Substantial growth in 2019-20 (265 km) and 2020-21 (844 km).
- Haryana: Steady progress, peaking in 2022-23 with 132 km.
- Jammu & Kashmir: Gradual increase in NHs, with a peak in 2022-23.
- Jharkhand: Incremental additions with the highest expansion in 2023-24 (203 km).
- Karnataka: Consistent growth, peaking in 2022-23 with 461 km.
- Kerala & Mizoram: Limited expansion, with only a few kilometers added in 2022-23.
- Madhya Pradesh: Steady additions, with the highest in 2020-21 (178 km).
- Maharashtra: Growth across all years, though a negative adjustment in 2023-24 (-13 km).
- Manipur & Nagaland: Small expansions in specific years.
- Odisha & Sikkim: Limited development with only select years seeing growth.
- Punjab: Major growth in 2020-21 (775 km) but no expansion in recent years.
- Rajasthan: Steady rise, peaking in 2022-23 (230 km).
- Tamil Nadu: Minor additions in select years, with a peak in 2022-23.
- Tripura: Small expansion in 2022-23.
- Telangana & Uttarakhand: Significant expansion in 2020-21 but no additions in recent years.
- Uttar Pradesh: Growth peaking in 2021-22 (414 km) but showing a decline in 2023-24 (-129 km).
- West Bengal: Notable addition in 2023-24 (235 km).
- Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu: A minor expansion in 2019-20.
The overall data showcases a fluctuating trend in NH expansion across states, with certain states witnessing rapid growth while others show stagnation or minor development. These developments are crucial in bridging infrastructural gaps and ensuring improved transportation networks across India.
Topic “National Highways” is Important for
General Studies, Infrastructure, and Economy-related topics in UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE), SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL), Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), State Public Service Commission (PSC) Exams, Indian Economic Services (IES) Exam, SSC JE (Junior Engineer) Exam, Assistant Engineer (AE) and Junior Engineer (JE) State Government Exams and state-level PWD and infrastructure planning departments exams.
