Infrastructure at the Core of India’s Development

PIB Backgrounder Infrastructure at the Core of India’s Development प्रव तथ: 09 JUN 2026 4:41PM by PIB Delhi Over the past decade, India accelerated infrastructure creation across transport, housing, water, energy, logistics, and digital networks. Large-scale investments improved mobility, strengthened service delivery, widened digital access, and supported economic activity across regions. Integrated planning initiatives like PRAGATI, PM GatiShakti, the National Logistics Policy, Sagarmala, PM-WANI, Jal Jeevan Mission and UDAN have shaped the vision of a connected and competitive India. These initiatives have improved competitiveness and supported India’s transition towards a modern and integrated economy. Infrastructure as an Instrument for Nation Building Infrastructure today shapes everyday life and daily experiences across the country. Roads, railways, airports, digital networks, housing, water supply, and clean energy systems have expanded access to essential services. These systems also influenced how people travel, connect digitally, and participate in economic activity. After 2014, infrastructure development has increasingly focused on scale, integration, and long-term capacity creation. A major shift during this period was the integration of infrastructure planning, as opposed to the earlier practice of fragmented project execution. Public capital expenditure increased from about ₹2 lakh crore in FY2014–15 to ₹12.2 lakh crore in FY2026–27. This reflects sustained focus on long- term infrastructure creation across sectors. Major programmes such as Sagarmala, Bharatmala, PM GatiShakti, PMAY, Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Ujjwala Yojana, and UDAN expanded infrastructure access. These initiatives linked infrastructure growth with household welfare, economic opportunity, and regional development. Mobility and Connectivity Transportation networks serve as the backbone of economic integration. From highways and railways to airports, waterways, and urban transit systems, investments across multiple modes of transport have strengthened connectivity. Together, these networks are creating a more seamless and integrated mobility ecosystem. Railways Indian Railways infrastructure has undergone a large-scale transformation since 2014, enhancing capacity, efficiency, safety and service delivery across operations. Budgetary support increased from about ₹32,000 crore in 2014–15to ₹2.78 lakh crore in FY2026–27, nearly a nine-fold rise.Electrification progressed rapidly, rising from about 20% of the network before 2014 to 99.6% by March 2026. A total of 69,873 route kilometers have been electrified, improving energy efficiency and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This transition also lowered operating costs and supported environmentally sustainable railway operations. India’s indigenous Vande Bharat trains enhance modern rail travel by offering improved speed, comfort, and onboard technology. As of April 2026, 162 Vande Bharat train services are operational across the country. Higher-capacity 16-coachand 20-coach configurations are enhancing passenger capacity and accessibility. The Vande Bharat Sleeper, launched in January 2026, carried 1.21 lakh passengers across 119 trips in its first three months, recording 100% occupancy. Indian Railways has also expanded affordable long-distance travel through the Amrit Bharat Express. A total of 60 train services are now operational, improving connectivity and passenger convenience for low and middle- income families. India is advancing its high-speed rail infrastructure with the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Corridor, which is currently under construction. The 508 km corridor has been designed for operations at speeds up to 320 kmph and is supported by advanced rolling stock, signalling, and train control systems. The Union Budget 2026–27 also announced plans for seven new high-speed rail corridors across the country. The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (2023) was launched to modernise railway stations and improve passenger amenities. Under the scheme, redevelopment work was completed at 208 stations out of 1,338 identified stations. Safety systems and operational upgrades also strengthened reliability across the railway network. Train punctuality improved to over 77%, with 24 divisions achieving more than 90% on-time performance. Rail safety has been strengthened through Kavach, India’s indigenous automatic train protection system. The technology monitors train movement and automatically applies brakes to prevent collisions and unsafe operations. Kavach has been deployed across 3,103 route km, while implementation is underway on 24,427 km across major corridors. The system has also been installed on 4,277 locomotives, with work in progress on 8,979 locomotives.Kavach Version 4.0 has been commissioned on major routes such as Delhi–Mumbai, Delhi–Howrah, and Prayagraj–Kanpur. Consequentially, the train accidents declined from 135 in 2014–15 to 16 in 2025–26. Freight movement and logistics integration improved through dedicated cargo infrastructure and multimodal systems. Under the PM Gati Shakti framework, 139 terminals became operational, while 300 additional locations were approved for development. These terminals enhanced cargo handling efficiency, reduced transit delays, and strengthened supply chain connectivity across regions. Major infrastructure projects have strengthened connectivity across challenging terrains and strategic regions. Chenab Bridge (2025): Standing 359 metres above the Chenab River, it is the world’s highest railway arch bridge. The 1,315-metre-long steel structure is engineered to withstand extreme wind and seismic conditions. The bridge strengthens connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar while reducing travel time. Anji Khad Bridge (2025): The Anji Khad Bridge is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge in Jammu and Kashmir. The bridge is boosting mobility, tourism, and economic activity in the region. Pamban Bridge (2025): India’s first vertical-lift railway sea bridge connects Rameswaram with the mainland through advanced coastal engineering. The 2.07 km bridge features a 72.5-metre vertical lift span for seamless railway and maritime movement. Bairabi–Sairang (2025): The 51.38 km railway line strengthened rail connectivity to Mizoram through challenging mountainous terrain. The project passes through 45 tunnels and represents a major infrastructure milestone for the Northeast. Roads and Highways India’s road network has multiplied since 2014, improving connectivity across regions and economic corridors. At 63.73 lakh km, India has the second-largest road network in the world. Length of National highways increased by 61%, from 91,287 km in FY14 to 1,46,566 km in March 2026. The length of four-lane and above national highways increased from 18,371 km in 2014 to 45,516 km. A total of 3,644 km of access-controlled high-speed corridors/expressways have been operationalised across the country. Initiatives focused on high-speed corridor development, economic node connectivity, and urban decongestion, supported by policies for highways, roads and bypasses.Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has transformed rural connectivity through all-weather road infrastructure, improving access to markets, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The Budgetary allocation for the program has increased from ₹386 crore in 2014–15 to ₹19,000 crore in 2026–27. So far, 99.6% of eligible habitations have been connected under the program. The length of completed roads increased from 3.86 lakh km during 2000–2014 to 4.11 lakh km during 2014–2026. The number of completed bridges rose from 484 to 10,293 during the same period. Bharatmala Pariyojana was approved in the year 2017 to strengthen freight corridors and regional connectivity. Economic corridors, border roads, coastal roads, and expressways built under the plan accelerated cargo movement across the country. Under Bharatmala, 22,590 km of roads have been completed till 31st March 2026. Several landmark projects under the plan improved mobility across difficult terrains and strategic regions. Landmark Projects in 12 Years: Z-Morh/Sonamarg Tunnel (2025): The 12-km-long Sonamarg Tunnel provides all-weather access through avalanche- and landslide-prone terrain in Jammu and Kashmir. The tunnel improves movement towards Ladakh while supporting tourism, local livelihoods, and regional access. Sudarshan Setu (2024): The 2.32-km-long Sudarshan Setu connects Okha with Beyt Dwarka in Gujarat. The bridge improved access to the island, supporting pilgrimage, tourism, and coastal economic activity. Maitri Setu (2021): The 1.9-km bridge over the Feni River connects Tripura with Bangladesh. The project reduced logistics distance for Northeast India while strengthening regional trade and passenger movement. Atal Tunnel (2020): The 9.02-km-long Atal Tunnel is the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet. It provides all-weather access between Manali and Lahaul-Spiti by bypassing Rohtang Pass. The tunnel reduces the Manali–Sarchu distance by 46 km, improving civilian and strategic mobility in the Himalayan regions.Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Tunnel (formerly known as the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, 2017): The 9- km-long tunnel provides all-weather access between Jammu and Srinagar. It bypasses difficult terrain, reducing travel distance by 31 km and travel time by nearly two hours. The project generated employment for over 2,000 local workers, with nearly 94% workforce participation from Jammu and Kashmir. Dhola-Sadiya Bridge (2017): Spanning 9.15 km, the bridge provides the first permanent road link between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. It supports the movement of heavy vehicles, including defence logistics, while improving regional access in the Northeast. Major Road Projects in the past year Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway (Gujarat, 2026): The 109 km expressway improved connectivity between Ahmedabad and Dholera. It reduced travel time, eased congestion, and strengthened logistics movement in the Dholera region. Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor (2026): The 213 km corridor reduced travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours to about 2.5 hours. The project features Asia’s longest elevated wildlife corridor within an ecologically sensitive zone. Delhi Section of Dwarka Expressway (Delhi, 2025): The 10.1 km section improved connectivity and reduced congestion in Delhi and NCR. It includes an eight-lane shallow tunnel and direct connectivity to Yashobhoomi, metro corridors, and the airport. Urban Extension Road-II (Delhi, 2025): The 76 km UER-II was developed as Delhi’s third ring road. It reduced congestion on major corridors and improved connectivity to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat. The project also accelerated freight movement in NCR. Bridge over River Ganga on NH-31 (Bihar, 2025): The bridge connected Mokama and Begusarai, reducing travel distance for heavy vehicles by over 100 km. It improved connectivity between North and South Bihar and supported regional economic activity. Civil Aviation and Regional Air Access Civil aviation growth widened regional air access after 2014. Operational airports increased from 74 in 2014 to 165 in 2026, supported by investments exceeding ₹1.4 lakh crore. Smaller cities gained stronger air connectivity with major urban centres.The UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, launched in 2016, improved affordability and access to air travel for wider sections. As of 2026, 665 routes connect 95 airports, heliports, and water aerodromes, benefiting over 1.64 crore passengers. The Modified UDAN scheme, launched in 2026 with an outlay of ₹28,840 crore, aims to connect 120 new destinations. Airport infrastructure expanded through greenfield projects and modernised terminal facilities across major and regional locations. Twenty-five greenfield airports have been approved after 2014, including Mopa, Kannur, Hollongi, Navi Mumbai, and Noida (Jewar). Digital systems improved passenger experience and operational efficiency across airports. Initiatives such as Digi Yatra enabled seamless and contactless travel through facial recognition systems. As of May 2026, Digi Yatra is operational at 38 airports, benefiting over 9.3 crore passengers. Operationalisation of GAGAN in 2015, world’s first equatorial Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) enhanced navigation accuracy and flight safety. It also supports disaster response and search-and- rescue operations through improved location accuracy. The expansion in the aviation sector improved access in remote regions, including the Northeast and island territories, while supporting tourism, trade and mobility. Metro and Regional Rapid Transit Systems Metro network length increased from 248 km in 2014 to more than 1,155 km in 2026. India now has the world’s third-largest metro network. The number of cities with metro connectivity increased from five in 2014 to 26 cities in 2025. Daily metro ridership also increased from about 28 lakh passengers to more than 1.15 crore passengers. The pace of metro commissioning accelerated, rising from 0.68 km per month before 2014 to nearly 6 km per month. Annual budgetary support for metro infrastructure increased from about ₹5,798 crore in 2013–14 to nearly ₹29,550 crore in 2025–26. Over the last twelve years, nearly ₹3.7 lakh crore was invested in metro expansion across the country.The Metro Rail Policy, 2017, strengthened integrated urban mobility planning through Comprehensive Mobility Plans and Urban Metropolitan Transport Authorities. Under the Make in India initiative, Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) manufactured more than 2,100 metro coaches by March 2026. Procurement norms promoted indigenous sourcing of metro coaches and key systems. Major urban transit innovations strengthened sustainable and high-speed mobility across cities. Kolkata launched India’s first underwater metro tunnel beneath the Hooghly River in 2024. Meanwhile, Kochi, Kerala, became the first city in India to launch a Water Metro Project, connecting 10 islands around the city with electric hybrid boats. This groundbreaking initiative ensures seamless connectivity, with the first boat launched in December 2021. The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail (2025) on the Delhi–Meerut corridor introduced advanced ETCS Hybrid Level-III signalling technology, improving speed, safety, and operational efficiency. Ports, Shipping and Maritime Connectivity Maritime today handles about 95% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value, underscoring its critical role. Port infrastructure has undergone significant strengthening since 2014, enhancing capacity, efficiency, and trade facilitation across various regions. Major port capacity nearly doubled from 873 MMTPA in 2014 to 1,726 MMTPA in 2026. Cargo handled increased from 581 MMT to 915 MMT, while vessel turnaround time improved from 94 hours to 48.8 hours. Operational and financial performance improved alongside capacity expansion and efficiency gains. Net annual surplus increased from ₹1,805 crore in 2014 to ₹10,910 crore in 2026. Operating ratio improved from 65% to 41% during the same period, reflecting stronger financial sustainability. These gains strengthened ports as efficient gateways for domestic and international trade.The Sagarmala Programme, launched in 2015, has driven port-led development by integrating ports with industrial clusters and logistics networks. It supported the modernisation of infrastructure, last-mile connectivity, and the development of coastal economic zones. As of March 2026, 78 projects worth ₹5,356.75 crore have been completed, improving connectivity and supporting coastal livelihoods. Shipping infrastructure and maritime capacity have also expanded, strengthening India’s maritime presence and logistics capabilities. Indian-flagged ships increased from 1,250 in 2014 to 1,593 in 2026, while gross tonnage rose from 10.5 MGT to 14.2 MGT. Coastal shipping cargo grew from 74 MMT to 215.29 MMT, indicating greater use of coastal routes. The number of seafarers increased from 1.27 lakh to 3.20 lakh, strengthening maritime employment and global competitiveness. Inland waterways have emerged as an efficient and sustainable transport mode for cargo and passenger movement. India has expanded its network of National Waterways from 5 in 2014 to 111 in 2026, spanning 20,187 km across 23 States and 4 Union Territories. As of March 2026, 32 waterways are operational, strengthening inland water transport connectivity. Cargo movement rose from 29 MMT to 218 MMT, reflecting a significant modal shift. Ferry and Ro-Pax passenger movement reached 10.55 crore, improving connectivity in riverine and coastal regions. The Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) strengthened inland navigation on National Waterway-1 between Varanasi and Haldia through fairway development and multimodal terminals. The project also improved cargo movement, which increased from 5.05 MMT in 2014–15 to 16.38 MMT in 2024–25 on NW-1. Under Arth Ganga (JMVP-II), community jetties and local logistics systems supported livelihoods and economic activity along the Ganga corridor. As of April 2026, 66 community jetties were operational along NW-1, supporting local livelihoods and serving around 1.22 lakh users daily. Large-scale maritime infrastructure projects strengthened long-term port capacity and logistics competitiveness across regions. The Vadhvan deep draft port, Tuna Tekra Container Terminal, and International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) project at Cochin strengthened container handling and maritime manufacturing capacity. India also operationalised its first hydrogen fuel cell vessel in Varanasi in December 2025, supporting cleaner and sustainable inland water transport. Maritime infrastructure expansion also supported tourism and regional economic activity across coastal and riverine areas. Sea cruise passengers increased from 1.10 lakh in 2014 to 4.62 lakh in 2026. At the same time, river cruise routes expanded from 3 to 17. Lighthouse tourism and ferry connectivity projects also strengthened local livelihoods, tourism, and coastal accessibility across multiple regions. Industrial &Manufacturing Infrastructure Industrial parks and manufacturing clusters play a pivotal role in attracting investment and supporting industrial growth. As of May 2026, 4,220 industrial parks are mapped on the India Industrial Land Bank, covering about 6.98 lakh hectares. Nearly 1.33 lakh hectares of land remain available, enabling future industrial expansion and investment. Industrial parks have increasingly shifted towards plug-and-play infrastructure, reducing setup time and improving ease of doing business. As of May 2026, around 272 plug-and-play industrial parks are operational across the country. Another 20 industrial smart cities and industrial areas are being developed under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme. The BHAVYA (Building Hub for Advanced and Vibrant Yojana for Acceleration) scheme, approved in March 2026, envisages the development of 100 new plug-and-play industrial parks across the country. Industrial corridor development accelerated through coordinated infrastructure planning and execution across regions. Twenty industrial smart cities have been approved across seven corridors, integrating transport, logistics, and utilities. These nodes enable efficient manufacturing, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen supply chain integration.Sector-specific manufacturing ecosystems have been developed to support key industries and value chains. The Union Budget 2026–27 proposed three chemical parks, seven PM MITRA parks, MSME clusters, and the ₹10,000 crore Biopharma SHAKTI programme to strengthen manufacturing infrastructure and industrial ecosystems. These initiatives provide shared utilities, testing facilities, and logistics systems for efficient production. Digital platforms have improved transparency and access to industrial infrastructure for investors and enterprises. The India Industrial Land Bank (IILB) provides GIS-based mapping of industrial land and infrastructure across regions. It enables informed investment decisions by providing real-time data on land availability and connectivity. Infrastructure-led industrial development has strengthened India’s position as a manufacturing destination and improved integration with global value chains. It supported investment, employment generation, and expansion of manufacturing activity across Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Logistics and National Competitiveness The logistics ecosystem has undergone significant transformation through integrated infrastructure planning, digitalisation, and regulatory reforms. Before 2014, logistics planning remained fragmented across transport modes and agencies, increasing transit delays and supply chain costs. Over the past twelve years, the government adopted a multimodal and technology-driven approach to improve freight movement and reduce logistics costs. The launch of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan in October 2021 marked a major shift towards integrated infrastructure planning and multimodal connectivity. The GIS-based platform brought together planning across 58 Ministries and Departments using more than 3,202 data layers as of June 2026. It improved coordination between ministries and departments while strengthening last-mile connectivity. The National Logistics Policy, launched in September 2022, aimed to improve logistics efficiency and reduce supply chain costs across sectors. India’s rank in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index improved from 54 in 2014 to 38 in 2023. India aims to enter the top 25 by 2030. The NLP is supported by digital platforms such as ULIP, Logistics Data Bank, and NETC FASTag that improve cargo visibility, information sharing, and logistics efficiency. Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), 2022: A digital platform that integrates logistics-related data from multiple ministries and departments on a single interface. It enables real-time information sharing, shipment tracking, and estimated arrival times (ETAs), helping improve supply chain planning and reduce logistics costs. By March 2025, ULIP had recorded over 100 crore API transactions. Logistics Data Bank (LDB), 2016: A technology-based system that provides end-to-end visibility of EXIM container movement across ports, terminals, and logistics networks. By October 2024, LDB had tracked over 75 million export-import (EXIM) containers, improving transparency and real-time cargo monitoring. NETC FASTag, 2016: An electronic toll collection system that enables seamless toll payments and faster movement of freight and passenger vehicles across national highways. As of December 2025, 11.86 crore FASTags had been issued, with over 98% of highway toll collection taking place through FASTag-based electronic transactions. The government’s focus on faster project execution and coordinated infrastructure delivery is reflected through platforms such as PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation). Launched in 2015, the platform addressed delays, cost overruns, and coordination challenges in major projects. Under PRAGATI, 382 projects worth over ₹85 lakh crore have been reviewed, while 2,958 identified issues have been resolved.These reforms improved logistics efficiency, strengthened supply chains, and supported India’s emergence as an integrated manufacturing and logistics hub. Water Infrastructure and Water Security Water infrastructure has expanded through large-scale investments in drinking water access, irrigation, river rejuvenation, and conservation systems. Earlier, millions of rural households lacked assured tap water access, while fragmented institutional structures limited integrated water management. The creation of the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2019 brought drinking water, sanitation, and water resource management under a unified framework. The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, transformed rural drinking water access through household tap connectivity. At the time of launch, only 3.23 crore rural households, or about 17% coverage, had tap water connections. As of June 2026, around 15.86 crore households had received tap water connectivity, achieving 81.94% coverage. The mission has been extended till 2028 with the objective of achieving universal rural tap water coverage. The expansion of household tap water access reduced drudgery and improved health and livelihood outcomes across rural regions. Access to clean water particularly improved the well-being of women and families by reducing the time spent fetching water. The government also expanded irrigation and water conservation infrastructure through major national programmes and river-linking initiatives: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, 2015 (PMKSY): Improved irrigation access and water-use efficiency across agricultural regions. Namami Gange Programme, 2014: Strengthened River rejuvenation, sewerage infrastructure, and pollution abatement systems. Ken–Betwa Link Project,2021: India’s first river interlinking project under implementation, benefiting drought-prone Bundelkhand regions. Technology-driven governance has also strengthened flood forecasting, dam safety, and hydrological monitoring systems after 2014. The FloodWatch India App, the Dam Safety Act, 2021, and digital monitoring platforms improved preparedness, reservoir management, and evidence-based water governance.Housing and Household Infrastructure Housing development after 2014 increasingly focused on affordability, dignity, and access to basic services across rural and urban regions. Government programmes are linked to housing, providing access to sanitation, electricity, drinking water, and clean cooking, thereby securing the well-being of millions of families. Launched in 2015, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) transformed affordable housing access under the vision of “Housing for All”. PMAY-U 2.0, launched in September 2024, aims to support one crore additional eligible urban beneficiaries by 2028–29. Around ₹8.77 lakh crore has been allocated under the programme to support affordable housing for middle- and lower-income families. Out of 125.31 lakh sanctioned houses under PMAY-U, around 98.10 lakh houses were completed by May 2026. This marks substantial growth compared to 8.04 lakh houses built during 2005–2014. The programme supported beneficiary-led construction, affordable housing partnerships, in-situ slum redevelopment, and interest subsidies for economically weaker and middle-income households. More than ₹59,318 crore interest subsidy was disbursed under the Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) of PMAY-U, improving housing affordability for urban families. Housing delivery also converged with schemes such as JJM, Saubhagya, SBM, and PMAY, improving access to essential household services. Around 96% of houses under PMAY-U 2.0 were allotted to women, strengthening ownership rights and financial inclusion. Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G) was launched in 2016 to achieve the goal of Housing for All in rural areas. The scheme aims to provide 4.95 crore houses with basic amenities to eligible rural households by March 2029. In 2024, the construction of an additional 2 crore houses was approved under the programme for the period 2024–25 to 2028–29. As of June 2026, 3.91 crore houseshave been sanctioned and 3.06 crore houses have been completed, improving housing security and living conditions across rural India. Around 75% of beneficiaries are women, contributing to greater asset ownership and financial security within rural households. The SWAMIH (Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing) Fund, launched in 2019, supports completion of stalled residential projects for middle- and lower-middle-income homebuyers. Backed by a corpus of ₹15,531 crore, the fund has delivered more than 63,000 homes, benefiting around 2.52 lakh people. The fund covers a portfolio of over 1,01,443 homes and has helped revive buyer confidence in the housing sector. Urban infrastructure development accelerated through the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and AMRUT 2.0. Launched in 2015, the mission focuses on strengthening water supply, sewerage networks, stormwater drainage, green spaces, and non-motorised transport across cities. Between 2015 and 2026, projects worth about ₹2.79 lakh crore have been sanctioned under AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0, compared to ₹62,983 crore under JnNURM before 2015. The programme has provided around 2.53 crore tap water connections through AMRUT, AMRUT 2.0, and convergence initiatives, with more than 7,943 urban infrastructure projects already completed. Energy Security and Universal Electrification From powering homes and industries to supporting transport networks, energy remains a critical pillar of transformation. The government adopted a multi-dimensional approach focused on electricity access, renewable energy, clean cooking fuel, transmission infrastructure, and energy efficiency. These interventions strengthened household welfare while supporting long-term energy security and sustainability. India’s power sector witnessed major improvements in reliability, electricity availability, and financial performance after 2014. Power shortage declined sharply from 4.2% in 2014 to 0.03% in 2025–26. Average rural electricity availability increased from 12.5 hours to 22.6 hours per day during the same period. DISCOM finances also improved significantly, shifting from losses of ₹67,962 crore in FY2013– 14 to profits of ₹2,701 crore in FY2024–25.India’s installed power capacity reached 532.74 GW by March 2026, compared to 248 GW in 2014. India also achieved its COP21 target of sourcing 40 percent of its electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources nearly a decade ahead of schedule. India emerged among the world’s leading renewable energy producers after 2014: 3rd largest clean energy capacity globally 4th largest installed wind energy capacity globally The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in 2024, accelerated rooftop solar adoption for households through subsidy support and financial assistance. The programme aims to provide rooftop solar systems to one crore households while reducing household electricity expenditure. The clean energy transition also included waste-to-energy initiatives. The GOBARdhan Scheme (2018) promotes the conversion of biodegradable waste into biogas and organic manure. The scheme supports clean energy generation, rural sanitation, and circular economy practices. More than 1,014 functional GOBARdhan plants of 5 cubic metres and above are operational across the country as of March 2026. The Saubhagya Scheme, launched in 2017, accelerated household electrification across rural and urban regions. Nearly 2.86 crore households were electrified under the programme, supporting near-universal household electricity access. India strengthened its global leadership in clean energy cooperation through the International Solar Alliance (ISA), spearheaded jointly with France. The alliance includes 125 member countries, supporting global collaboration on solar energy deployment and sustainable development. During its G20 Presidency,India advanced global cooperation on clean fuels and energy transitions, including the launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA). As of 1 June 2026, the GBA has been expanded to 33 countries and 14 international organisations, reflecting global confidence in India’s leadership on sustainable fuels. Clean Cooking Access and LPG Infrastructure Access to clean cooking fuel improved after 2014 through large-scale Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) infrastructure development and targeted welfare initiatives. The focus remained on affordability, household energy access, rural outreach, and supply security. Wider LPG access reduced dependence on traditional biomass fuels, particularly in rural households. National LPG coverage increased from 55.9% in 2014 to 107.2% in 2026. The increase reflects wider LPG access, distribution and stronger supply networks across the country. LPG consumers increased from 14.51 crore to 33.39 crore from 2014 to 2026. Meanwhile, LPG consumption nearly doubled from 17.6 MMT in FY2014–15 to 34 MMT in FY2025–26. Rural access also improved significantly through the expansion of LPG distributorships and bottling infrastructure. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), 2016 played a central role in expanding clean cooking access among poor households. Refill delivery to PMUY beneficiaries reached around 49.21 crore cylinders during FY2025–26, averaging about 15.9 lakh daily deliveries. The government also approved the release of an additional 25 lakh LPG connections under PMUY during FY2025–26 to achieve saturation coverage. Consumption patterns among PMUY beneficiaries also improved steadily, reflecting wider adoption of clean cooking fuel. Average annual refill consumption increased from 3.68 refills in FY2021–22 to 4.71 refills in FY2025–26. The government also strengthened transparency, subsidy targeting, and supply security across LPG systems. Aadhaar-based biometric authentication and database integration initiatives improved beneficiary verification and subsidy delivery.Digital Connectivity and Public Digital Infrastructure Over the past decade, digital infrastructure has increasingly become part of everyday life, from digital payments to online public services. The focus has shifted towards building a population-scale digital backbone across urban and rural India. It supported financial inclusion, governance delivery, digital commerce, education, healthcare, and citizen services. India’s tele-density, which measures the number of telephone connections per 100 people, increased from 75.23% in 2014 to 86.23% in 2025. During the same period, internet connections increased nearly fourfold from 25.15 crore to 100.29 crore. Broadband connections rose from 6.1 crore in 2014 to 99.56 crore in 2025, reflecting growth (+1,532.13) in digital access. Average monthly data consumption per user increased from 61.66 MB in 2014 to 24.01 GB in 2025 (~399x increase). Around 85.5% of Indian households now own at least one smartphone. The PM-WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) framework, launched in 2020, expanded affordable public internet access through decentralized public Wi-Fi hotspots. As of June 2026, over 4.10 lakh Wi-Fi hotspots operate across States and Union Territories. The rollout of next-generation telecom infrastructure accelerated after the launch of 5G services in 2022. As of 2026, 5G services are available in 99.9% of districts with about 85% population coverage. Telecom Service Providers installed more than 5.08 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) across the country. India also emerged as the world’s second-largest market for 5G smartphones. Simultaneously, initiatives such as BharatNet and the National Broadband Mission strengthened rural broadband connectivity and public Wi-Fi access. India’s digital public infrastructure ecosystem also expanded rapidly through interoperable platforms built around the JAM Trinity — Jandhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile connectivity. Aadhaar-generated digital identity systems strengthened authentication and direct benefit transfer architecture, while Jan Dhan accounts deepened financial inclusion. Aadhaar generation increased from 63.22 crore in 2014 to more than 144 crore by March 2026. Jan Dhan accounts increased from 14.72 crore in 2015 to 57.71 crore in 2026.The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) emerged as one of the world’s largest real-time payment systems. In March 2026 alone, UPI processed about 2,264 crore transactions worth over ₹29.53 lakh crore. UPI- based digital payments are now operational across eight countries. These include the UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius, and Qatar. The expansion strengthened India’s global digital payments footprint. Citizen-centric digital platforms improved access to governance, documentation, healthcare, and public services: DigiLocker, with 68.91 crore+ registered users and more than 967 crore issued digital documents, enables secure access to certificates, identity documents, and government records. UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance), with 10.93 crore users, provides access to thousands of Government services through a single digital platform. Common Service Centres (CSCs), which have grown from 0.83 lakh centres in 2014 to over 5.01 lakh functional centres by April 2026, improve digital access and delivery of citizen services across rural and urban areas. eHospital Platform connects 4,100 hospitals and facilitates over 55 crore transactions, strengthening digital healthcare service delivery and patient access. The PM e-Vidya initiative integrates digital learning platforms, ensuring nationwide access to education. DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing), with over 2 crore registered users, serves as a unified, AI-enabled digital education platform, with all States/UTs onboarded and hosting 7,497 Energized Textbooks and over 3.74 lakh e-content resources. SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds), with more than 6.1 crore enrolments and 280+ SWAYAM Prabha DTH channels, provides 24x7 educational content. Digital infrastructure growth also strengthened electronics and telecom manufacturing under initiatives such as Digital India, Make in India, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes. Building the Foundations for Viksit Bharat India’s infrastructure journey has reshaped the scale and speed of development across sectors in the past twelve years. Highways, railways, ports and airports support faster movement of people, goods, and services. Urban and rural infrastructure has also witnessed deeper integration with technology and public service delivery. Large-scale investments have created new economic corridors, manufacturing hubs, logistics networks, and digital ecosystems across the country. These foundations continue to support India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. 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https://iced.niti.gov.in/energy/electricity/generation Global Biofuel Alliance https://biofuelsalliance.com/about-us Infrastructure at the Core of India’s Development **** PIB Research (रलीज़ आईडी: 2270740) आगंतुक पटल : 1091 इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: ही , Gujarati , Tamil