The Role of Road Transport in the Indian Economy From 2015 to 2025

Road transport plays a decisive role in India’s economic development by acting as the backbone of connectivity for agriculture, industry, trade, and services. This study examines the contribution of road transport to the Indian economy during the period 2015–2025, a decade marked by large-scale infrastructure expansion and major policy reforms. Using secondary data from government reports, World Bank publications, and official statistics, the paper analyses the impact of road transport on GDP growth, employment generation, logistics efficiency, and sectoral development. Government initiatives such as PRAGATI, PM GatiShakti, Bharatmala Pariyojana, and the National Logistics Policy have significantly improved highway and expressway infrastructure, reduced travel time, and enhanced inter-regional connectivity. Major expressway projects like the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, Mumbai–Nagpur Samruddhi Mahamarg, and Purvanchal Expressway illustrate the shift towards high-capacity, access-controlled road networks. The study finds that road transport contributes nearly 3.5–4.0 percent to India’s GDP and carries the majority of passenger and freight traffic, thereby lowering transaction costs and supporting productivity across sectors. Improved road infrastructure has strengthened agricultural marketing, facilitated industrial supply chains, and generated substantial employment. Overall, the paper highlights road transport as a critical driver of inclusive and sustainable economic growth in India.