India on the fast lane: 25 greenfield expressways, 1,200+ highway projects, Zojila Tunnel, waste-powered roads driving growth; Nitin Gadkari explains nation’s infrastructure roadmap and future plans

Key projects include the Ahmedabad-Dholera Highway, the strategic Zojila Tunnel providing all-weather connectivity to Ladakh, and the flagship Bharatmala highway development program, these initiatives aim to reduce logistics costs below 10%, boost connectivity, and propel sustainable economic growth—positioning India as a global infrastructure leader.

With an ambitious investment of ₹6 lakh crore, the government is constructing 25 new greenfield expressways spanning 10,000 kilometers. This transformative initiative promises to significantly enhance connectivity across states, reduce travel times, and drive economic growth by linking industrial hubs and rural areas alike.

In a breakthrough for sustainable infrastructure, waste plastic is being integrated into road construction to create a special layer that extends road life by four to five years. This technique reduces plastic pollution while enhancing the durability and maintenance cycle of highways, setting new standards for green engineering.

The introduction of factory-made concrete slabs, standardized in sizes of 3x3 meters and 4x6 meters, is revolutionizing highway construction. These prefabricated slabs enable faster assembly, higher quality control, and uniformity, promising smoother, longer-lasting highways built with greater efficiency

India’s logistics cost, which currently hovers between 14-16%, is targeted to fall below 10% by the end of 2026. This significant reduction will enhance India’s competitiveness on the global stage, reduce export costs, and streamline supply chains across industries.

India is pioneering the use of nearly 80 lakh tonnes of solid waste in major highway projects like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and Ahmedabad-Dholera Highway. This innovative eco-friendly approach not only tackles the country’s mounting garbage crisis but also results in roads that are stronger, more durable, and sustainable.

Innovative use of treated sewage water in road and building construction is helping cities like Nagpur and Mathura conserve potable water. This eco-conscious strategy not only supports sustainable urban development but also generates significant revenue, marking a step forward in water management.

​To support the growing adoption of electric vehicles, over 4,500 public charging stations have been installed along national highways and expressways. This expanding network plays a critical role in reducing fossil fuel dependency, lowering emissions, and promoting cleaner, greener transportation.

India has successfully deployed over 80 kilometers of bamboo crash barriers, which offer greater strength than steel alternatives. Locally sourced from the Northeast, these eco-friendly barriers exemplify innovative use of natural materials to ensure road safety while minimizing environmental impact.

Government’s push to blend ethanol into petrol has transformed the agricultural landscape, driving up corn prices from ₹1,200 to ₹2,800 per quintal. This policy has injected an estimated ₹45,000 crore into the pockets of farmers in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, turning agriculture into a dual source of food and energy.