Budget 2026 may be high on highways: Faster clearances, InvIT push expected

India now has the world’s second-largest national highway (NH) network, spanning 146,560 km, up from 91,287 km in 2014— an increase of over 61%.

This expansion has been driven by the development of high-speed corridors and four-lane highways under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Going forward, the focus is on building access-controlled highways, with emphasis on sustainable, technology-driven infrastructure development nationwide.

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With a budgetary allocation exceeding Rs 2.87 Lcr for 2025–26, the Road Transport and Highways Ministry has identifi ed a 13,400-km project pipeline under the public private partnership (PPP) model, with an estimated investment of Rs 8.3 Lcr to be developed over the next 3 years.


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In addition, it plans to launch a public InvIT— Raajmarg InvIT—through which around 1,500 km of completed and operational NHs would be introduced over the next 3-5 years, enabling the ministry to mobilize funds for future infrastructure development.

ET looks at the challenges the sector faces and what needs to be done in the upcoming budget:

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