In a landmark observation during a routine judgment on inter-state transport disputes, the Supreme Court of India has praised the nation's rapid strides in road infrastructure, terming it a "quantum leap" that is revolutionizing travel and economic integration across the country. The bench, comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih, highlighted how modern highways and expressways have transformed connectivity, making surfaces "smoother than ever before" and enabling passenger comfort comparable to international standards.
The remarks came while adjudicating a batch of appeals involving private transporters and State Road Transport Corporations (SRTCs) of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh over reciprocal inter-state bus route permits under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The court ruled that private operators cannot encroach on routes reserved for SRTCs, emphasizing public interest. However, in a detailed concluding section, Justice Datta's judgment devoted space to acknowledging broader national progress, stating: "Leaving behind the humble beginnings, focus on infrastructure development has seen a quantum leap. India has developed, in this century, an intricate network of highways providing accessibility to nearby cities and towns from the remotest of villages, thereby establishing 'last-mile connectivity'."
The court noted that expressways are facilitating faster movement of people and goods, significantly reducing travel times and driving economic growth. "These highways and expressways are transforming India's transportation landscape," the judgment observed, crediting innovations like digitization in public transport—e-ticketing, mobile tracking apps, and electric buses—for enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
The bench urged SRTCs to leverage these advancements, pointing out that some have turned profitable through technology adoption. India's national highway network has expanded dramatically under initiatives like the Bharatmala Pariyojana, launched in 2017 to develop 34,800 km of roads at an estimated Rs 5.35 lakh crore. As of August 2025, the total length stands at 146,204 km, up from 91,287 km in 2014—a 60% growth—making it the world's second-largest.
Under Bharatmala Phase-I, 26,425 km of projects have been awarded, with 18,926 km completed by November 2024, including economic corridors, feeder routes, and border connectivity.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has invested heavily, with Rs 6 lakh crore allocated for 12,000 km of greenfield expressways currently under construction.
Key projects underscore this momentum. The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, spanning 1,350 km, is set for full operation by December 2025, halving the journey from 24 to 12 hours. In Maharashtra, the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Mahamarg (701 km) connects 390 villages and has created over 2 lakh jobs. Uttar Pradesh added 1,200 km of highways in 2025 alone, boosting logistics efficiency by 15%.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, whose portfolio oversees these developments, has been instrumental in the surge, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Rs 11 lakh crore infrastructure budget. The highways now handle 70% of freight and 85% of passenger traffic, potentially lowering logistics costs from 14% to under 10% of GDP and aiding exports.
Despite the acclaim, challenges persist. The court indirectly addressed safety concerns, noting annual road accidents claim 1.5 lakh lives. About 30% of highways require better maintenance, and NHAI has been directed to audit blackspots. Experts emphasize sustainable practices, like solar-powered stretches, to meet net-zero goals.
The Supreme Court's endorsement, though peripheral to the case, signals judicial recognition of infrastructure's role in inclusive growth—from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. As India targets a $7 trillion economy by 2030, this "revolution" positions roads as a bedrock for Viksit Bharat.
News Sources:
- The Times of India
- News18
- LiveLaw
- IBTimes India
- Hindustan Times
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