New Delhi: Minister of State for Road, Transport &Highways and Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra addressed the Highway Heroes on Monday. He emphasised about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment of building a more inclusive, safe, and dignified transport ecosystem in the country.
Malhotra stated that over the past decade, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has been at the forefront of India’s infrastructure revolution. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guidance of Minster for Roads, Transport &Highways, Nitin Gadkari, the Ministry has constructed over 60,000 kilometers of highways, significantly enhancing national connectivity and economic integration.
He mentioned about the development of high-speed corridors such as the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, India’s longest expressway, which drastically reduces travel time between two major economic hubs; the Delhi–Meerut Expressway, a model of urban expressway design that cuts travel time from 2.5 hours to just 45 minutes; and other transformative projects like the Dwarka Expressway, Amritsar–Jamnagar Expressway, and the Bengaluru–Mysuru Expressway, all contributing to faster, safer, and more efficient travel.
Malhotra stated that the pace of highway construction has accelerated from 12 km/day in 2014 to over 30 km/day, a testament to streamlined processes, digital project monitoring, and enhanced public-private partnerships. He stated that In last 5 years, development works of NHAI has generated estimated 45 crore man days of direct employment, 57 Crore man days of indirect employment and 532 crore man days of induced employment.
The minister mentioned about MoRTH engagement in resolving policy, environmental, and logistical roadblocks to ensure that infrastructure development aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Malhotra stated that the Ethanol blending is being encouraged under the E20 target, with around 800 ethanol production projects registered across India.
He stressed about the pollution from highway construction and stated that MoRTH has introduced Bharat Stage (CEV/Trem)-V emission norms for construction equipment and tractors. Malhotra raised concerns about the road accidents and black spots and stated that MoRTH has rectified approximately 14,000 black spots across India. Further, Safety audits, improved signage, pedestrian infrastructure, and delegated technical approvals have made highway design more responsive and inclusive.
The minister mentioned about the highway heroes of India i.e truck drivers and said that Modi Government is committed to the well being of our Highway Heroes who are the backbone of India’s logistics sector.
Malhotra mentioned that MoRTH has invested in skill development through driver training institutes and refresher programs. Health and welfare initiatives include mandatory insurance coverage, and the Cashless Treatment Scheme-2025, which provides free treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh during the critical Golden Hour after an accident.
The minister also stated that Government has currently awarded 501 Wayside Amenities (WSAs) along National Highways/Expressways. Out of these, 94 Wayside Amenities have been made operational. The development of more than 700 WSAs is likely to be completed by the Financial Year 2028-2029.Further, the Wayside Amenities have provision of facilities like Fuel Station, Electric Vehicle Charging Station, Toilets, Drinking Water, Parking, Dhaba/Restaurant/Eateries and dormitories for truck drivers.
The minister at the end said that MoRTH’s journey over the last 11 years reflects a transformative shift in India’s transport landscape—from building world-class infrastructure to addressing environmental and safety challenges. As we move toward the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the Ministry remains committed to innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. With continued focus on green mobility, accident reduction, and skill development, MoRTH is not just building roads—it is paving the way for a safer, cleaner, and more prosperous India.
