(PIB)
Development of National Highways (NHs) is a continuous process and the Ministry takes up NH projects based on the requirements of connectivity, traffic density, inter se priority, and the availability of resources. 553 National Highways Projects in a length of 10,964 Km have been awarded during 2020-21. Expenditure incurred for ongoing works of National Highways (NHs) Projects during 2020-21 is Rs 1, 53,240 Crore. The contributions received under Public Private Partnerships (PPP) mode during 2020-21 is Rs 12,476 Crore. It has been estimated that 4076 mandays of work is created for every km of road constructed. In addition, a road project has a force multiplier effect on the economy that results in creation of indirect employment.
Construction works on National Highways were delayed to some extent due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the loss of time was estimated to be generally in the range of 3-9 months depending upon the project parameters. The Government has taken several steps under Atmanirbhar Bharat like, granting time extensions for 3 to 9 months, relaxation in contract provisions for ensuring cash flow, direct payment to sub-contractors and release of retention/security money to augment cash flow, waiver of penalty in case of delay in submission of Performance Security (for new Contracts), to expedite the construction work to achieve the target. This information was given by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
