The analysis of India’s national roadways infrastructure reveals significant efforts at expansion and improvement, but also ongoing challenges related to road quality, especially in many traditional roads across different states.Expansion and Development of National HighwaysIndia’s national highway (NH) network has grown substantially over the years, reaching approximately 1,46,145 km by 2024. Highways with four or more lanes expanded 2.6 times from 18,371 km in 2014 to 48,422 km in 2024, reflecting significant infrastructure development ���.

Challenges in Traditional Roads Despite these advancements, many traditional roads—particularly rural and semi-urban roads—continue to face issues such as potholes, muddy surfaces, and poor maintenance. A notable reason is that only about 2% of India’s total road network is part of the national highway (NH) system, yet these roads carry around 40% of traffic, emphasizing the disparity in infrastructure quality ��.

Road Conditions and Impacts

Reports from various Indian states, including recent news from Madurai and Haveri, highlight that after rains, roads turn muddy, slushy, and dangerous, often turning into mud pathways, with potholes making travel hazardous and sometimes causing accidents and fatalities ��.

Unpaved Roads and Rural Connectivity Approximately 40% of India’s roads remain unpaved dirt or gravel tracks, which become impassable during monsoons, severely affecting rural connectivity and economic growth. About 30% of villages lack all-weather roads, leading to significant development and accessibility issues �.

Infrastructure Maintenance and Future Outlook. Despite a growing focus on highway construction—around 12,349 km of NHs built in FY 2024—the maintenance of traditional roads remains a critical concern, often hampered by inadequate funding and delayed repairs. Several states report that roads are neglected, with potholes filled with mud temporarily rather than permanent repairs ��.

Summary

While India has made remarkable progress with its national highway development, a substantial portion of traditional roads across various states remain muddy, pothole-ridden, and poorly maintained, especially post-monsoon. This situation adversely affects safety, mobility, and rural development, underscoring the need for increased focus on sustainable maintenance and upgrading of non-highway roads.