Surface Transportation in India comprises a vast and complex network of roads, railways, and inland waterways that form the backbone of the country’s logistics infrastructure. The road network, which is the third-largest in the world, includes national highways, state highways, district roads, and rural roads, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) overseeing major arteries that connect metropolitan cities and economic hubs.
The Golden Quadrilateral and North-South, East-West corridors represent significant infrastructure projects that have enhanced connectivity between major industrial, agricultural, and cultural centers. The Indian Railways, being the fourth-largest railway network globally, plays a crucial role in both passenger and freight movement, operating over 13,000 passenger trains daily and transporting billions of tons of freight annually. In recent years, the government has initiated significant reforms and modernization projects like the Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC) and high-speed rail projects to enhance capacity and efficiency.
Road transport dominates the logistics sector, accounting for approximately 60% of total freight movement, with trucks ranging from small commercial vehicles to multi-axle trailers serving various industry needs. The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the E-way bill system has streamlined interstate movement and reduced transit times significantly. Major challenges include infrastructure maintenance, traffic congestion, varying road quality across states, outdated railway infrastructure in some regions, and the need for better integration between different transportation modes. The government’s initiatives like Bharatmala Pariyojana, Sagarmala Project, and the National Infrastructure Pipeline aim to address these challenges through systematic development of transport infrastructure.
Modern technology adoption, including GPS tracking, electronic toll collection through FASTag, and real-time freight tracking systems, is gradually transforming the sector. The focus on multimodal integration, development of logistics parks, and emphasis on green transportation solutions reflects the evolving nature of surface transportation in India. Critical issues being addressed include last-mile connectivity, rural road development through the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), urban transport solutions, and the promotion of electric vehicles to reduce environmental impact. The sector’s future development is guided by objectives of improving connectivity, reducing logistics costs (currently around 14% of GDP compared to 8-10% in developed economies), enhancing safety standards, and promoting sustainable transportation solutions while supporting India’s economic growth and development goals.
