Road Transport in India: Classification and Significance

India boasts the world’s second-largest road network, covering approximately 63.73 lakh kilometers, consisting of various types of roads like national highways, state highways, district roads, and rural roads. Road transport plays a vital role in India, carrying around 87% of passenger traffic and over 60% of freight. With 100% foreign direct investment allowed in roads and highways, the sector holds significant potential for growth and development.

Infrastructure and Impact on Road Transportation

• India has the second largest road network in the world, spanning about 63.73 lakh km,  which includes national highways, state highways, district roads, and rural roads. The length of various categories of roads: 
  • National Highways: 1,44,634 km;
  • State Highways: 1,86,908 km; 
  • Other Roads: 59,02,539 km

• Significance of Road Transport in India: Road transport carries ~87% of India’s total passenger traffic and more than 60% of its freight.
• FDI: 100% FDI in roads and highways is allowed under automatic route.
• Road Density: It is the length of road per 1000 sq. km of area and it varies across the country.
  • In the fiscal year 2019, Chandigarh UT, has the highest road density in India, exceeding 22.6 thousand kilometers per one thousand square kilometers. 
  • Among states Kerala, ranks first with 6.7 thousand km per one thousand square kilometers.

Classification of Road Transport in India

• National Highways: account for 2% of the total road network and carry over 40% of total traffic; constructed and maintained by the Central Government (NHAI). 
  • NH44: Srinagar to Kanyakumari is the longest highway in India.
  • Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways: links Delhi-Kolkata-Chennai-Mumbai by six-lane Super Highways.
  • The North-South Corridor links Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) and Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu), and East-West Corridor connects Silcher (Assam) and Porbandar (Gujarat). [UPSC 2023]

• State Highways: link the state capital with different district headquarters and other important towns. 
  • They constitute 4% of the total road length in the country and are constructed and maintained by state governments.
• District Roads: act as connecting links between District Headquarters and the other important nodes in the district. 
  • They account for 14% of the total road length of the country and are maintained by the Zila Parishad. 
• Rural Roads: provide links to rural areas and account for about 80% of the total road length in India.

Conclusion

India’s road network, comprising national highways, state highways, district roads, and rural roads, forms the backbone of its transportation infrastructure, facilitating the movement of people and goods across the country. Through initiatives like the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and projects like Bharatmala Pariyojana, the government is committed to enhancing connectivity, promoting economic development, and strengthening national security.