India’s middle class has undergone a transformation, not only in size and income, but also in expectations, aspirations, and everyday experiences. Due to the handholding efforts of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government, more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty and entered the neo-middle class. For such an evolving middle class, the nature of governance, service delivery, and urban planning needs to evolve accordingly. The current government has taken a deliberate, multi-dimensional approach to improving quality infrastructure, both physical and digital, with the singular aim to make daily life easier and more dignified for India’s burgeoning middle class.
The foremost step of this journey started with developing physical infrastructure in such a way that, from the day-to-day commute to travel to even the remotest part of the country becomes easier. Over the past 11 years, the government has channeled massive investments into rethinking the design and delivery of this infrastructure, moving towards creating mobility-enhanced infrastructure. The metro rail expansion from 5 cities in 2014 to 23 in 2025 has fundamentally reshaped urban mobility. Now, India proudly boasts the world’s third-largest metro network. Today, metro systems are not just an urban mobility project; they are lifelines for office-goers, students. In addition, 136 world-class Vande Bharat trains with their speed, comfort, and punctuality have created an enhanced travel experience for the middle class.
The middle class is no longer confined to one city or one opportunity. With regional connectivity now supported by schemes like RCS-UDAN, the middle class can fly affordably for business or leisure, a possibility unthinkable a decade ago. From 74 airports in 2014, the number of airports more than doubled in a decade. 159 airports are now connecting every corner of the nation. In terms of impact created, the wider expansion of air connectivity reduced distance, making travel a comfortable experience, which also boosted tourism activities and contributed to the economy.
For the first time, India’s infrastructure is not just catching up, it is raising the global standard. The launch of the country’s first underwater metro tunnel in Kolkata and the Namo Bharat RRTS between Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut are not just engineering marvels; they are the embodiment of vision becoming reality.
The government is also investing in improving and making National Highways and Expressways better under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. In addition, enhanced toll infrastructure has also led to a reduction in waiting time at toll plazas. For instance, the waiting time at the toll plazas was 734 seconds in 2014 and has been reduced to 47 seconds in 2023.
Infrastructure, once limited to roads and power lines, now encompasses smart governance systems, seamless digital services, and more. Through initiatives like Digital India, the government has built a robust digital public infrastructure that touches everything from banking to education, health, and governance. For the middle class, this has meant less bureaucratic hassle and more empowerment. Tasks that once meant standing in queues, like income tax filings, property registration, and pensioners' life certificate verification, can now be done online. Platforms like DigiLocker, UMANG, e-Sign, and Jeevan Paraman Patra are empowering the middle class. In addition, affordable digital services, including a 96% reduction in per GB data costs between 2014 and 2024, along with the availability of 4G mobile services even in rural areas, middle-class people living in every corner of the country are now experiencing a digitally empowered lifestyle.
Another noteworthy step by the current government is amping up urban infrastructure. The Smart Cities Mission, launched by Prime Minister Modi, was not just about upgrading infrastructure; it was about reimagining urban life. Integrated Command and Control Centres in 100 cities are helping manage traffic, waste, water, and emergency services in real-time. Smart roads, pedestrian zones, cycle tracks, and improved public lighting have made city life more livable. For the middle-class resident, this means safer commutes, cleaner neighborhoods, and less time spent navigating chaos.
Under the AMRUT Mission, lakhs of homes have gained access to piped water and sewerage systems, significantly improving the quality of life in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where the middle class is growing the fastest. In addition, basic amenities have also seen a dramatic shift. Tap water connections have grown nearly fivefold since 2019 due to the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Electricity availability, too, has also improved significantly. In urban areas, the supply now averages nearly 24 hours, while rural areas have seen power availability jump from 12 to nearly 22 hours per day. This ensures consistent functioning of appliances, online work, school classes, and daily routines. Even door-to-door waste collection, once patchy or non-existent, is now regularised in over 97% of urban India, with solid waste processing rates jumping from 14% to 78% in ten years. These developments directly translate into cleaner streets, healthier homes, and reduced disease burden.
One of the biggest pressures on the middle-class budget has always been healthcare, especially for families with elderly members or chronic conditions. The government’s push towards Jan Aushadhi Kendras has been a significant intervention, making over 2,100 medicines and 315 surgical products available at 50–80% lower prices. More than 15,000 centers are operational now, saving citizens over Rs. 38,000 crores. The PM Jan Arogya Yojana, extended in 2024 to cover senior citizens above 70 via. Ayushman Vaya Vandan cards provide Rs. 5 lakh annual health coverage, impacting around 6 crore senior citizens. This initiative relieves families of the constant financial anxiety around elder care.
The emphasis on preventive health through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, conducting health care screenings for chronic to severe illnesses, further helps middle-class citizens manage health proactively and affordably. As of February 2025, over 1.76 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have conducted over 107 crore hypertension screenings and 94 crore diabetes screenings, free of cost.
PM Modi deeply understands the struggles of the parishrami madhyam varg and has launched targeted initiatives to ensure ease of living and dignity in daily life. From road and urban infrastructure to critical services like healthcare and basic amenities, the government has empowered the middle class like never before. These initiatives have helped families save time and money, raise children in cleaner and safer environments, and access better opportunities with greater confidence. Today, with reliable public services and seamless digital access, the middle class is no longer adjusting to shortcomings but actively aspiring.