India’s road logistics journey began in 1927 with the Jayakar Committee and has transformed into one of the world’s largest highway networks. This blog explores the milestones that shaped modern transportation and logistics in India.
Road transportation has been the backbone of India’s logistics sector for nearly a century. What we take for granted today – a vast highway system connecting cities, ports, industries, and rural markets – has its roots in visionary policy-making and systematic development. Let’s trace the journey of India’s roadways, from their modest beginnings to their current role in enabling economic growth.
The Jayakar Committee: India’s First Roadmap (1927)
In 1927, Barrister M.R. Jayakar chaired the Indian Road Development Committee. Its landmark recommendations included the creation of the Central Road Fund (CRF) by taxing petrol, ensuring a steady source of revenue for road building. This marked the beginning of systematic roadway planning in India.
The Nagpur Plan: A Vision for the Future (1943)
By 1943, Indian engineers prepared the Nagpur Road Plan, which provided a comprehensive vision and an actionable framework for building a connected road network across the country.
Post-Independence Growth and the National Highways Act (1956)
After Independence, roadways became critical for nation-building. The National Highways Act of 1956 brought highway development under central government control, ensuring consistent standards and execution across states.
Rural Connectivity & the Green Revolution (1960s–1980s)
During this phase, policies prioritized rural road construction to support agriculture and unlock the potential of the Green Revolution. Better access to villages meant improved supply chains, reduced wastage, and better livelihoods for farmers.
The Golden Quadrilateral: Modernizing India’s Highways (1998)
The late 1990s brought the Golden Quadrilateral project, connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. This initiative revolutionized freight movement, reduced transit times, and brought large-scale modernization to India’s road network.
The Road Today: From 20,000 km to 1,40,000 km
In 1947, India had roughly 20,000 km of highways. Today, that number has grown to approximately 1,40,000 km of highways, powering logistics, trade, and industrial growth.
India’s roadways are not just about connectivity — they are the lifeline of commerce and logistics. From the Jayakar Committee to the Golden Quadrilateral, each milestone reflects the nation’s determination to integrate its economy and empower its people. The journey continues, with future projects aimed at making India’s road network more efficient, sustainable, and globally competitive.