Roadblocks Ahead: National Highway Construction Slows Down

National highway construction fell short of its target, reaching only 9,380 km last fiscal year due to land acquisition and clearance delays. This marks the shortest build since 2017-18. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is facing challenges with a drop in new project contracts awarded.

National highway construction fell short of the anticipated target last fiscal year, achieving only 9,380 km compared to the goal of 10,000 km, according to a senior official from the road transport and highways ministry.

The official revealed that the shortfall was attributed mainly to delays in land acquisition and obtaining necessary clearances. This resulted in the shortest stretch of highways built since 2017-18, when 9,829 km were completed.

Despite the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' efforts in maintaining National Highways and National Expressways, the construction figures have seen a decline. Additionally, the awarding of new highway projects has decreased significantly, slowing from 12,376 km in 2022-23 to just 7,538 km in FY25.