Gadkari sets a 60-km-per-day highway goal, eyes a world-leading auto sector and a 10,000-km road target for 2025–26.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday announced an ambitious push to dramatically speed up India’s highway construction, setting a new national target of building 60 km of roads every single day.
Speaking at the Times Network India Economic Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, Gadkari admitted that highway development has slowed in recent months, largely because no new projects are being awarded under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Even so, he stressed that the centre is preparing for a sharp acceleration.
“Our target is to take highway construction to 60 km per day,” he said, framing it as part of the government’s long-term infrastructure vision.
Gadkari also broadened the conversation to India’s economic ambitions. He said the government aims to make India the world’s largest automobile market within the next 8–10 years. Currently, the global rankings stand at:
- United States: ₹78 lakh crore
- China: ₹47 lakh crore
- India: ₹22 lakh crore
He emphasised that strengthening agriculture will be just as crucial for sustaining higher GDP growth.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has set a 10,000 km construction target for 2025–26, closely aligned with last year’s goal of 10,420 km. Official data shows:
- 2024–25: 10,660 km built (exceeded target)
- 2023–24: 12,349 km
- 2022–23: 10,331 km
The minister’s remarks signal a renewed push to accelerate India’s infrastructure momentum and reinforce the country’s broader economic aspirations.
Source: Swarajya
