NHAI Awards Highest Length of Projects in 2020-21 as Compared to Last 3 Years

NHAI has already completed at least 80 to 90 per cent of the land acquisition, actioned utilities shifting and has obtained required clearances from various forest and environment authorities for the sanctioned projects.

Between April to September 2020, NHAI has awarded a total of 40 projects covering 1,330 km length. The capital cost of these 40 projects is Rs 472.89 billion, which includes cost of civil work, land acquisition, and other pre- construction activities. NHAI has set a target of awarding 4,500 km of projects during current fiscal and is likely to exceed the target.

Furthermore, as part of its commitment to improving the ease of doing business and facilitating better working relationship with all its stakeholders, NHAI had recently agreed to implement various suggestions made by different industry bodies towards improving national highways. The agency has taken various initiatives from time to time to instil confidence of the bidders in the road sector.

In March 2020, NHAI disbursed Rs 100 billion through online payments and ensured that no payments remain pending due to closure of office during the lock down. In the first quarter of current fiscal, NHAI disbursed more than Rs 150 billion to vendors. Additionally, steps such as monthly payments to the contractors were taken to ensure cash flow to the contractors.