India’s National Highway network has expanded significantly over the past decade, reaching more than 1.46 lakh kilometres in March this year compared with over 91,000 kilometres in 2014. The government said the network has grown by nearly 61 percent during this period, helping improve connectivity, access to markets and the movement of people and goods.

The government’s efforts to add greenery along National Highways are guided by the Green Highways Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance Policy, 2015.

The policy provides a framework for developing plantations along National Highways with the aim of reducing the effects of air pollution and dust. It also seeks to create employment opportunities for people living in local communities.