New Delhi: As of November end, the construction and widening of National Highways (NH) during the current financial year have witnessed a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2011-23. However, the scenario is not as optimistic for the awarding of new projects, which has plummeted by almost 52% during the same year.
Data from the road transport ministry reveals that various agencies under the ministry have successfully constructed or widened 5,248 km of NHs till the end of November, compared to 4,766 km during the corresponding period last year. Despite this progress, achieving the target of building and widening around 12,000 km seems challenging, given the limited time left in the financial year.
In contrast, the awarding of new projects has faced a significant slowdown. Between April and November 2022-23, agencies bid out works for 5,382 km, while this year’s figure stands at a mere 2,815 km.
The road ministry had previously highlighted concerns about achieving bidding targets, especially without prompt decisions on the approval of the revised Bharatmala Phase-1 or an alternative program. The finance ministry’s directive not to bid out new projects under Bharatmala without fresh cabinet approval has further complicated the fate of developing approximately 8,000 km of NH stretches under the government’s flagship program.
With the construction target hanging in the balance for the current fiscal year, repercussions are expected to impact the progress in the financial year 2024-25.
