Source: PIB
Context: India now has the second-largest road network in the world, after the US.
More about Road Network in India:
- Increase in Road Network: In 2013-14, the total length of National Highways was 91,287 km, which has increased to 1,45,240 km in 2022-23.
- India has a total length of 4,219 km of expressways.
- The total length of National Highways in India has increased by about 59% in the last nine years.
- FASTag has led to a significant jump in toll collection revenue: Toll revenue rose from Rs 4,770 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 41,342 crore in 2022-23 (the aim is to increase toll revenue to Rs 1,30,000 crore by 2030)
- Reduced waiting time: The waiting time at toll plazas has reduced from 734 seconds in 2014 to 47 seconds in 2023, with a goal of further reducing it to 30 seconds.
At (1.94 km) of roads per square kilometre of land, the quantitative density of India’s road network is equal to that of Hong Kong and substantially higher than the United States
Difference between Expressways, National and State Highways:
| Criteria | Expressways | National Highways | State Highways |
| Ownership | Usually owned by the central government | Owned and maintained by NHAI | Owned and maintained by states |
| Design | Designed for high-speed traffic | Designed for national connectivity | Designed for intra-state connectivity |
| Numbering | Designated with an ‘E’ prefix | Designated with an ‘NH’ prefix | Designated with an ‘SH’ prefix |
| Access | Limited access points | Fewer access points than local roads | Multiple access points |
| Width of Roadway | Generally wider | Wide carriageways | Varies depending on state policy |
| Development | Developed as controlled-access highways with grade-separated intersections | Developed to meet national transportation needs | Developed to meet state transportation needs |
| Planning Authority | Generally Central Government | National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) | State Public Works Departments |
