After three-year slump, govt. aims at awarding 10,000 km of National Highway projects, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The government aims to award 10,000 km of National Highway projects by the end of financial year 2026.
• Annual awards had dropped from 12,000 km in financial year 2023 to 6,000 km in financial year 2025.
• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways expects fresh approvals to reach 10,000 km in the current financial year.
• As of October 2025, 3,200 km of NH projects have been completed.

Detailed Insights:

• The slowdown in project awards over the past three years is now being addressed with a focus on clearing pending projects.
• Out of 4,500 km of projects pending for award, 3,500 km have been awarded, indicating progress in resolving stalled projects.
• Delayed monsoons have impacted the progress of National Highway projects, contributing to the lag in meeting targets.
• The government is implementing measures to reduce the timeline from project approval to acquisition by a year, enhancing efficiency.
• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is confident of awarding 9,000 km of projects out of the 10,000 km target.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Highway: A highway connecting major cities and towns across the country, typically maintained by the central government.
• Project Commissioning: The process of formally placing a project into active service or operation after construction.