News Brief
From Airports To Expressways: India Set For Infrastructure Milestones In 2025 With Six Mega Projects
The Japanese agency is financing several big infrastructure projects in India. (Representative image)
India is poised for a transformative year in 2025, with the completion of several key infrastructure projects that promise to significantly enhance connectivity, reduce travel times, and bolster economic growth.
Here are six major projects that stand out for their scale, impact, and contribution to the nation’s development:
1. Hyderabad City Innovative and Transformative Infrastructure (H-CITI) Programme
The H-CITI programme, approved by Telangana’s Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, is set to redefine urban infrastructure in Greater Hyderabad.
With an investment of Rs 7,032 crore across 38 projects, the initiative aims to address traffic congestion and improve urban mobility.
The projects include grade separators, flyovers, Road under Bridges (RuBs), Road over Bridges (RoBs), tunnel corridors, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
The programme is based on a Comprehensive Traffic Study conducted by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), which identified critical congestion areas.
It seeks to boost average journey speeds from 15 kmph to 35 kmph, cut fuel consumption, and reduce air pollution.
Additionally, 40 projects under the Strategic Nala Development Programme-II (SNDP-II) and 41 projects funded by the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) are being implemented at a combined cost of Rs 959.08 crore.
Together, these initiatives aim to create a conflict-free road network, significantly enhancing Hyderabad’s urban landscape.
2. Mumbai’s Coastal Road
A major milestone in Mumbai's Coastal Road project is the upcoming installation of the south-bound connector between the Coastal Road and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link on 26 January.
This follows the successful placement of the final span of the bow-string bridge on 27 November, bringing the city closer to a seamless drive from Marine Drive to Bandra.
Additionally, the last two arms of the Haji Ali interchange are expected to open in early 2025.
The project also promises to transform Mumbai's coastline, with 70 hectares of open spaces created through extensive land reclamation.
A new promenade will redefine the city's waterfront, while themed precincts such as the Green Shore, Nature’s Cove, and Park Line are planned for future development.
In a city plagued by chronic traffic congestion, the immediate focus remains on offering a smoother, faster commute for motorists, making this ambitious project a significant leap forward for Mumbai’s infrastructure.
3. Jewar International Airport
Scheduled to commence operations on 17 April 2025, Jewar International Airport in Uttar Pradesh is poised to become Asia’s largest and the world’s fourth-largest airport.
Spanning 1,334 hectares, the first phase of the project includes a 101,590 sq m terminal and a 3.9 km runway, capable of handling up to 12 million passengers annually.
Initially, 30 flights will operate, covering 25 domestic routes and three international destinations—Singapore, Dubai, and Zurich.
The airport’s sustainable design aligns with India’s net-zero emissions goals. Its operational readiness is being ensured through calibration of the Instrument Landing System and trial runs.
4. Gorakhpur Link Expressway
The Gorakhpur Link Expressway, a 91.35-kilometre controlled-access highway, is set to be inaugurated in January 2025.
Built at a cost of Rs 7,283 crore, the expressway connects Gorakhpur to Azamgarh and links to the Purvanchal Expressway.
It traverses four districts: Gorakhpur, Ambedkarnagar, Sant Kabir Nagar, and Azamgarh.
The project involves 343 structures, with 337 completed and the remaining nearing completion.
Once operational, the expressway will reduce travel time from Gorakhpur to Lucknow to just 3.5 hours, fostering economic growth and improving regional connectivity.
It is expected to significantly cut fuel consumption, reduce environmental pollution, and offer smoother and safer travel.
5. Ganga Expressway
The Ganga Expressway, spanning 594 kilometres, will become India’s second-longest expressway upon its completion in 2025.
Connecting Meerut to Prayagraj, the project passes through 12 districts and 518 villages.
Originally slated for completion by December 2024, it faced delays due to technical challenges and is now expected to be operational by November 2025.
The expressway’s Rs 36,230 crore investment includes major engineering feats such as a 960-metre-long bridge over the Ganga River and a 720-metre-long bridge over the Ramganga River.
With a design speed of 120 km/h, it will drastically reduce travel time between major cities in the eastern and Western UP
6. Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, is on track for completion in 2025.
This 1,386-kilometre expressway will cut travel time between the two cities from 24 hours to just 12 hours.
Designed with a focus on sustainability, it features solar-powered lighting, rainwater harvesting systems, and wildlife crossings.
The expressway is part of a broader shift from project-based to corridor-based development. It aims to enhance user convenience and logistics efficiency.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), operational high-speed corridors in India are expected to reach 4,827 km by the end of 2025, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s transportation landscape.
The year 2025 promises to be a landmark year for India’s infrastructure development, with projects spanning urban mobility, spiritual heritage, aviation, and expressway connectivity.
