50,000 km highways, bullet trains, shipyards: India likely to fast-track mega infrastructure push under Vision 2047 plan

Policymakers believe accelerating infrastructure creation is critical to sustaining that momentum, especially as geopolitical risks and US tariff pressures loom.

With the Goods and Services Tax (GST) overhaul now behind it, the government is turning its focus to the next big growth driver, large-scale infrastructure. Officials told The Economic Times that ministries have been asked to fast-track approvals for mega projects tied to the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, from interstate highways to shipbuilding hubs.

India’s economy grew 7.8 percent in the first quarter of FY26. Policymakers believe accelerating infrastructure creation is critical to sustaining that momentum, especially as geopolitical risks and US tariff pressures loom.

Projects of national importance in focus

According to senior officials who spoke to ET, projects that touch multiple states or transform entire sectors will be prioritised. These include:

Bullet train corridors connecting major metros
Large shipbuilding yards and port clusters
50,000 km of access-controlled highways over the next decade
Mega ports to boost trade and logistics capacity

“Projects of national importance that hold potential to transform lives across multiple states will be prioritised,” one official said.

Push for PPP to ease fiscal strain

The Union Budget for FY26 earmarked Rs 11.21 lakh crore for infrastructure spending. But the government knows public funds alone won’t be enough. Officials told ET that the public-private partnerships (PPP) will be aggressively promoted in projects with strong return potential to ease pressure on state finances.

A senior policymaker noted: “Bundling of projects is being done to move them quickly for approvals. PPP will be key to financing high-return ventures.”

World Bank sets investment challenge

The World Bank recently highlighted that India must lift its real investment rate from around 33.5% of GDP to 40% by 2035 to sustain long-term growth. In line with this, ministries are being tasked with identifying large, transformational projects that fit the 2047 roadmap.

A high-level committee led by IN-SPACe chief Pawan Goenka and NITI Aayog officials has been asked to reevaluate ministry targets and push through clearances for mega projects.

Roads, rails and ports: the big three

Highways: The road transport ministry has set a target of 50,000 km of access-controlled highways to be built over the next 10–12 years at an estimated cost of Rs 20 lakh crore.

Railways: The focus is on bullet train corridors and upgrading passenger and freight capacity.

Shipping: New mega shipbuilding clusters and port capacity expansion are being lined up to handle rising trade flows.

These projects are at the heart of the Centre’s Viksit Bharat 2047 blueprint, with the goal of creating world-class infrastructure to match India’s projected economic size.