India’s development is increasingly visible in its expanding road network. It’s a transformation that stands out particularly to foreign visitors who compare the roads they see today with those they experienced during earlier visits. From Tamil Nadu to the majestic Himalayan region in the north, India offers travellers a journey through dramatically changing scenery, cultures, cuisines and climates. But for one international visitor, an experience spanning more than 2,500 km has left him particularly impressed.The video that caught worldwide attention“India now has some of the best roads in the world,” he says in the video. His observation highlights how improved road connectivity is becoming an important part of India’s travel experience. For travellers who enjoy discovering a country, roads are more than just a means of getting from one destination to another. They determine how comfortably people can explore new places and reach remote attractions.A journey of 2,500 km“I have just travelled over 2,500 km by road from Tamil Nadu and now we are heading towards the Himalayas, So I have gotten the whole length of the country”.“We have travelled through Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan. We are now entering into Haryana and then on to Uttar Pradesh finally Uttarakhand. We are on NE4 right now but we’ve been travelling on highways and expressways like this the whole time.”Travelling between such distinct regions offers an insight into several sides of India. The country’s southern highways connect major urban centres, pilgrimage destinations and rural settlements, while roads in the northern mountain regions serve as gateways to hill stations, trekking routes and remote communities.
Representative image.
However, it is important to note that highway conditions can change quickly between states. Even between stretches of the same route, changes can be drastic. Mountain roads may be affected by landslides, weather and seasonal closures, while traffic congestion and road safety remain important considerations for motorists.Yet the broader transformation is reflected in the expansion of National Highways, the growth of access-controlled expressways and ongoing efforts to improve connectivity across regions.Read more: Foreign traveller returns after 17 years and is amazed by the country’s changing roads For road-trip enthusiasts, the journey itself can become a major attraction. A long drive offers the freedom to stop at roadside eateries, explore lesser-known towns, visit local markets and discover destinations that may not always feature on conventional tourist itineraries.Also, this is not the first time that a foreigner is going ga-ga over Indian road conditions. Recently, a female traveller also shared her thoughts on the better road condition when she compared to her 2017 visit. She also made a video and praised the highways with proper restrooms and cafes. She was super impressed and compared it with her past visit to India.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ Year End Review 2025, India has the world’s second-largest road network, with its National Highway network extending to 1,46,560 km.
