In a noteworthy development, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has encountered a substantial slowdown in the awarding of National Highway (NH) projects for the fiscal year 2023-24, according to official data. With only two months remaining in the financial year, MoRTH’s January awards for NH contracts stood at a mere 370 km, signalling a significant deviation from its revised target of 10,000 km for the current fiscal year.
The data further reveals that through executing agencies like the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Centre has awarded projects totaling 3,481 km in the fiscal year 2023-24. This figure represents an alarming 60% decline from the previous fiscal year. Despite having an initial target of awarding contracts for 16,000 km in FY24, the Ministry finds itself falling short due to delays attributed to the revised cost estimates of the Bharatmala Pariyojana.

The Bharatmala Pariyojana, a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing the efficiency of freight and passenger movement across the country, has faced setbacks in revised cost estimations, adversely impacting the awarding of contracts. The delays have contributed to the current scenario where the awarded projects are significantly below the set targets.
This deceleration in the pace of awarding contracts not only poses challenges for the infrastructure development agenda but also raises concerns about meeting the broader goals of the Bharatmala project. The ambitious initiative, pivotal for improving connectivity and fostering economic growth, requires expeditious execution to realise its full potential.

As the financial year approaches its closure, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways faces the task of reassessing strategies and streamlining processes to overcome the existing challenges. The timely execution of NH projects is crucial not only for the Ministry’s objectives but also for sustaining the momentum of India’s infrastructure growth in the long run.