Over the past decade, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has witnessed an unprecedented revolution in infrastructure development, propelling the nation toward its ambition of becoming a global economic powerhouse. The Modi government’s firm commitment to modernise India’s physical and digital infrastructure has not only enhanced connectivity but also catalysed economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. By prioritising strategic investments, implementing bold policy reforms, and leveraging cutting-edge technology, the government has laid a robust foundation for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
The Modi government has redefined India’s infrastructure landscape by significantly scaling up investments and accelerating project execution. As of March 2025, the government has committed more than Rs. 11 lakh crore in investments in just the first 100 days of PM Modi’s third term, reflecting an extraordinary pace of progress.
The road and highway sector has been a cornerstone of the government’s infrastructure program. Since 2014, the length of national highways has nearly doubled, growing from 91,287 km to 146,204 km by 2024. The average annual construction of national highways has surged, with the Modi government achieving a pace of more than 33 km per day, compared to 8-11 km under previous governments. The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, a flagship initiative, has streamlined logistics, reducing costs from 14% to 8% of GDP by 2030, enhancing India’s global competitiveness.
Mega projects like the Bharatmala Pariyojana have revolutionised connectivity, with thousands of kilometres of expressways and economic corridors completed. The Budget 2025-26 allocated more than 11 lakh crore for capital expenditure, with a significant focus on highways and urban redevelopment, fostering employment and private investment. The Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) introduced by the government has revived private sector participation, ensuring timely project completion and financial sustainability.
Indian Railways, the nation’s lifeline, has undergone a monumental transformation under PM Modi’s leadership. The government has allocated the highest ever capital expenditure of Rs. 2.65 crore for FY 2025-26. Compared to a mere 6.3% in 2014, India has now achieved almost 100 per cent track electrification, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. The introduction of Vande Bharat trains, with 136 operational by 2025, has redefined rail travel with speed, comfort, and world-class amenities.
The Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) and high-speed rail projects, such as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, are set to transform freight and passenger movement, reducing transit times and boosting economic activity. The PRAGATI platform, credited by an Oxford University study for accelerating 340 key infrastructure projects worth USD 204 billion, has ensured the timely execution of railway initiatives.
The aviation sector has witnessed exponential growth, positioning India as a global aviation hub. The number of operational airports has doubled from 74 in 2014 to 157 by 2024, with plans to connect 120 new destinations over the next decade. The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme has democratised air travel, operationalising over 400 new air routes and making flying accessible to smaller cities. These efforts have culminated in a spectacular surge in the number of air passengers. In 2024, domestic air passenger traffic more than doubled to 22 crore 81 lakh, a remarkable increase from the 10 crore 38 lakh passengers recorded in the 65 years preceding 2014.
The Modi government’s focus on urban mobility and connectivity infrastructure has transformed Indian cities into engines of growth. The metro rail network, the third-largest in the world has expanded from 250 km in 2014 to 1000 kms across 21 cities by 2024, with 919 km under construction in 26 cities. Mumbai’s monorail, at 20 km, is the third-largest globally, showcasing India’s engineering prowess.
The Urban Challenge Fund, announced in Budget 2025 with Rs. 1 lakh crore, supports bankable urban projects, focusing on growth hubs, water and sanitation, and creative redevelopment.
The energy sector has seen remarkable strides, with renewable energy capacity doubling to 100 GW in 2022 and reaching the fourth global rank in installed capacity. The government’s 100 GW solar target has been achieved, and 24-hour electricity is now a reality in cities. Such strides have also made India energy surplus for the first time in several decades.
The Modi government’s success in infrastructure development is underpinned by bold policy reforms that have enhanced efficiency, attracted investment, and ensured sustainability. The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, a $1.3 trillion initiative, integrates 16 ministries for seamless project execution, reducing delays and costs. The introduction of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act has formalised the economy, boosting investor confidence.
The Asset Monetisation Plan (2025-30), targeting Rs. 10 lakh crore, reinvests the proceeds in new projects, balancing debt sustainability with growth. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have been revitalised, with 25% of infrastructure funding now sourced through PPPs, particularly in transportation.
The International Monetary Fund notes that infrastructure investments generate 7 to 30 jobs per $1 million spent, thereby amplifying employment in the steel, cement, and transportation sectors. Keeping this in account, it can be realised that the infrastructure boom has had a profound impact on India’s economy and society. Infrastructure spending, crossing Rs. 11 lakh crore in just one year, has created millions of jobs, with the construction sector alone projected to employ 100 million by 2030.
Strategic policy reforms, coupled with initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and Make in India, have positioned India as a global leader in infrastructure development. The Modi government continues to accelerate progress, ensuring that India’s infrastructure not only meets the needs of today but also paves the way for a prosperous, connected, and sustainable future. With unwavering optimism and bold ambition, the Modi government is steering India toward its rightful place as a developed nation by 2047.