India's national highway network has grown from approximately 91,000 km in 2014 to over 146,000 km by January 2026 — a 60% increase. In FY26, NHAI completed approximately 5,313 km of new highway construction. The government's flagship programme, Bharatmala Pariyojana, continues to drive this growth with Phase 1 nearing completion.
Table of Contents
- NHAI Expansion Overview 2026
- Bharatmala Phase 1 Status
- Key Highway Projects in 2026
- Expressway Network Expansion
- Year-by-Year Construction
- Budget & Investment
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
NHAI Expansion Overview 2026
The NHAI has maintained an average daily construction rate of approximately 34 km per day in FY26. According to MoRTH's Annual Report 2025-26, the total length of national highways in India stood at 146,145 km as of January 2026. The expansion has focused on completing network gaps, six-laning critical corridors, constructing greenfield expressways, and improving connectivity to ports and border areas.
Bharatmala Phase 1 Status
Bharatmala Phase 1, launched in October 2017 with a target of 34,800 km at ₹5.35 lakh crore, has completed approximately 28,000 km as of early 2026. The programme includes Economic Corridors (9,000 km), Inter-Corridor routes (6,000 km), National Corridor Efficiency Improvement (5,000 km), and Border & International Connectivity (2,000 km).
Key Highway Projects in 2026
Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (1,386 km): Approximately 90% complete, reducing Delhi-Mumbai travel from 24 to 12 hours. Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway (262 km): Operational, cutting travel from 6 to 3 hours. Ganga Expressway (594 km): Expected to be fully operational by late 2026, connecting Meerut to Varanasi.
Expressway Network Expansion
| Expressway | Length | Status | Travel Time Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi-Mumbai Expressway | 1,386 km | 90% complete | 24→12 hrs |
| Purvanchal Expressway | 341 km | Operational | 10→6 hrs |
| Bundelkhand Expressway | 296 km | Operational | 8→5 hrs |
| Agra-Lucknow Expressway | 302 km | Operational | 6→3 hrs |
| Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway | 262 km | Operational | 6→3 hrs |
Year-by-Year Construction Comparison
| Year | Km Constructed | Daily Rate | Bharatmala Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 10,457 km | 28.6 km/day | 14,000 km |
| 2022-23 | 10,993 km | 30.1 km/day | 19,000 km |
| 2023-24 | 12,375 km | 33.9 km/day | 23,000 km |
| 2025-26 (FY26) | 12,400 km | 34.0 km/day | 28,000 km |
Budget & Investment
The MoRTH budget for 2026-27 is approximately ₹2.6 lakh crore, a 12% increase over FY26. Key allocations include ₹1.2 lakh crore for NHAI, ₹40,000 crore for PMGSY, and ₹6,000 crore for Northeast roads. For more, see our Indian Railways 2026 guide and Dedicated Freight Corridors.
Conclusion
NHAI's highway expansion has transformed India's road network. With Bharatmala Phase 1 nearing completion and Phase 2 planning underway, the momentum continues. The 2026 focus has shifted to quality improvements — six-laning corridors, building expressways, and improving last-mile connectivity.
You May Also Like: Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Bridges & Tunnels of India, and Dedicated Freight Corridors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many km of national highways has India built in 2026?
NHAI completed approximately 5,313 km of national highways in FY26. The total national highway network now exceeds 146,000 km as of January 2026.
What is the Bharatmala Phase 1 completion status?
Bharatmala Phase 1, launched in 2017 with a target of 34,800 km, has completed approximately 28,000 km as of early 2026.
What is the budget for NHAI in 2026-27?
The MoRTH allocation for 2026-27 is approximately ₹2.6 lakh crore, a 12% increase over the previous year.
Which states have seen the most highway expansion?
Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh lead in new highway construction. Northeast states have received priority funding.
How much of India's national highway network is four-laned?
Approximately 35% of India's national highway network (about 51,000 km) is four-laned or wider. NHAI aims for 50% by 2030.
What is the average cost per km of highway construction?
Average cost ranges from ₹6-10 crore per km for four-laning in plains to ₹200-300 crore per km for expressways.
What is India's daily highway construction rate?
NHAI maintained an average of 34 km per day in FY26, translating to over 12,000 km annually.