Types of Roads and Highways in India Explained

Posted on: Feb 18, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Types of Roads and Highways in India Explained

Roadways are pivotal in India's transportation system, connecting various cities, towns, and remote areas. In addition to their role in travel, they are also crucial for economic activities such as trade and commerce. For automobile owners, car insurance is essential to safeguard their vehicles while driving on these roads.

Network of Roads in India

India's road network is the second largest in the world, spanning over 5.89 million kilometres. The country's roads facilitate the transport of goods and people, enabling economic growth and regional development. This vast road network connects cities, towns, villages, and remote areas.

The Indian government and various state authorities classify roads based on several factors, such as location, material, topography, and purpose. India's diverse range of roads is built to accommodate different types of traffic and serve the needs of various regions.

Road traffic and rough terrain demand caution on roads to prevent any vehicle accident. You should secure your automobile with comprehensive car insurance to avoid financial losses due to damages caused by mishaps.

How Many Types of Roads in India?

The roads in India are classified into the following types:

1. National Highways: These are key routes connecting major cities and states.

2. Expressways: These are high-speed, controlled-access roads designed for fast travel. With advanced features like HTMS and grade-separated intersections, these six-to-eight-lane roads are India’s finest highways, enabling speeds up to 120 km/h.

3. State Highways: These link key cities within a state and also connect to national highways. Built and maintained by state governments, these roads are vital for regional transport and development.

4. District Roads: These roads connect areas within a district and adjoining districts. They play a crucial role in facilitating daily commutes, transporting goods, and accessing essential services.

5. Village Roads: Comprising 73% of the road network, village roads connect rural areas to nearby towns. Built and maintained under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana scheme, these roads improve accessibility and promote rural development.

6. Border Roads: Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), these roads strengthen national security and connect remote border regions.

7. International Highways: These highways connect India to neighbouring countries, promoting trade and cultural ties. Examples include the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and AH-42, linking India with China.

Types of Highways in India

Highways in India are classified into two main categories: National highways and state highways. These roads facilitate long-distance travel and transport of goods across states.

National Highways in India

National highways form the backbone of India's road network, connecting major cities and states. They are wide, well-maintained roads equipped with proper signage, traffic lights, and bridges. National highways are denoted by "NH" followed by a numeric code (e.g., NH-1, NH-10).

There are several types of national highways based on their size and traffic-carrying capacity:

Single-lane highways: These are the most basic form of national highways and have a single lane in each direction.

Double-lane highways: These have two lanes in each direction and are designed to carry more traffic.

Four-lane highways: These roads provide even more capacity with four lanes, allowing smoother traffic flow.

Six-lane and eight-lane highways: These are the largest highways designed for heavy traffic flow, especially in metropolitan areas.

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) manage and maintain national highways.

State Highways in India

State highways are roads that connect various cities and towns within a state. These are essential for linking national highways to local roads and improving regional connectivity. State highways are denoted by "SH" followed by a state code (e.g., SH-10). These roads are managed by state governments.

Importance of Various Types of Roads in India

Roads in India are not just vital for travel and connectivity; they play a central role in the economic and social development of the country. Here are some key reasons why these are so important:

1. Economic Growth and Trade

Roads are crucial for the transportation of goods across the country. National and state highways facilitate the movement of goods from manufacturing hubs to markets, both within India and internationally. This connectivity boosts commerce, supports industries, and improves trade efficiency.

2. Facilitate Travel and Mobility

Well-maintained roads offer safe and convenient travel, reducing the time it takes to move from one place to another. Whether for business, tourism, or other purposes, efficient road networks improve the mobility of people and goods.

3. Connecting Remote Areas

India has many remote and mountainous regions, and roads are the only viable mode of transportation in many of these areas. Without proper road connectivity, these areas would be isolated from the rest of the country. Roads allow people to access essential services, including healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

4. Support for Rural Development

Rural roads play a vital role in supporting farmers and rural populations by providing access to markets, enabling the movement of agricultural produce, and offering a pathway to deliver goods. These roads also facilitate better access to healthcare and education in rural communities.

5. Emergency Services and Disaster Relief

In times of natural disasters or emergencies, roads provide critical access for relief operations. Whether it’s for delivering food, medical supplies, or rescuing people, roads are essential for providing timely assistance to affected areas.

6. Cost-Effective

When compared to railways or air travel, roads require lower capital investment for construction and maintenance. Additionally, roads are more cost-effective in operation, making them a viable transportation solution for individuals and businesses.

Conclusion

India's diverse types of roads play an essential role in the country’s development. They support transportation, trade, connectivity and economic development. Protecting your vehicle against unforeseen accidents and damages is essential while driving on India's extensive network of roads. For this, you should obey traffic rules, be vigilant on the road and obtain comprehensive or third-party car insurance.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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