John Muir once said, “The mountains are calling, and I must go.” This quote is a call to all mountain lovers. However, have you ever considered how you will reach your destination? For most of us, it’s by road. But these roads are not just any roads. They are the result of an incredible feat of engineering, constructed in some of the most challenging terrains and sustained in harsh climates.

Take a moment to imagine the people behind this incredible work, who have dedicated themselves to making it easier for us to reach our dream destinations. These unsung heroes have selflessly built roads that make our journeys safer and more comfortable. There is a lot to tell about them, but we will get back to them later.

In the ancient Indian subcontinent around 2800 BC, the cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro boasted intricate road systems, marking them as pioneers in urban planning. Their legacy endures as a tangible reminder of their ground-breaking achievements.

Fast forward to the 3rd century BCE during the Mauryan Empire, when Emperor Chandragupta Maurya commissioned the construction of the Grand Trunk Road, a monumental feat overseen by his brilliant advisor, Chanakya. This historic road, a testament to ancient Indian engineering prowess, has resiliently stood the test of time.

Later, during the British colonial era, a transformative chapter in India’s road network unfolded. The British played a pivotal role in establishing an expansive web of roads that penetrated even the remotest corners, setting a blueprint for future development. Their significant contribution greatly enhanced connectivity between diverse regions, a legacy that subsequent state and central organizations continued to build upon, shaping comprehensive roadmaps for the nation’s progress.

While roads were being constructed post-independence era, the pace of road network construction has picked up since 2000. And NHIDCL (National Highway Infrastructure and Development Corporation Ltd.) is the most recent addition among the various organizations established to perpetuate the effort of building roads. Having been in existence for just nine years, it has already made noteworthy contributions to the country’s infrastructure. Their achievements are amazing, both figuratively and literally reaching the highest pinnacle! Any guesses? I’m referring to NHIDCL building roads that make it possible to reach the difficult terrains and remotest areas of India, including the mountainous regions.

The organization is working tirelessly to navigate the challenging terrains of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, the whole of North-East, hilly terrains of West Bengal, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, ensuring that these regions are connected to the rest of the country.

NHIDCL stands out for its exceptional engineering achievements, successfully constructing awe-inspiring bridges across challenging terrains and spanning some of India’s widest rivers. Simultaneously, the organization is undertaking the formidable task of carving tunnels through the highest mountains of the Himalayas, showcasing its commitment to pushing the boundaries of infrastructure development in the most challenging geographical landscapes. These tunnels would enable our defence forces to reach the distant mountainous locations boosting their defence capabilities by manifolds. The organization has played an essential role in forging an international corridor with neighbouring South Asian countries, effectively dismantling economic barriers and fostering increased trade and tourism in these regions of India. This strategic initiative is a vital stride towards enhancing accessibility and promoting the overall development of these areas.

It would be exciting to explore their latest projects, the achievements, the marvels that they have created, and the challenges that they face when they construct roads inch by inch towards development and success. It might give us ideas for our next adventure to an untouched destination. In the next blog, we might travel to one of these places, giving you the places to visit and, more importantly, the roads to travel. Curious? You can ask questions and even guess the place. (A hint: The land of the Red River and Blue Hills).