Government announces new road plans for $ 93 billion

The Government of India has announced projects worth $ 93 billion for road building in India. This includes the National Highways Building Project (NHDP), a $ 45 billion flagship programme. 26,000 kms of National Highway projects are expected to be awarded to bidders.

The NHDP is a programme under which, the government plans to transform the existing national highways into world-class roads in different phases. It will see 20,000 kms of roads being built over the next 3 years with an investment of $ 45 billion.

Other projects include the Bharat Mala Project for % 12 billion and 6,000 kms, a project for connecting 123 district headquarters for $ 15 billion, the construction of 350 bridges and railway over-bridges in two years for $ 8 billion, Char Dham connectivity for 2,500 kms for $ 8 billion and development of roads in the North-East and border areas for $ 5 billion.

The government is wooing bidders for the projects. It claims that investment opportunities include new models being rolled out both for greenfield and brownfield projects. This is among the largest government-led PPP development programmes in the world.

The government claims that it intends to award projects for construction of 10,000 kms this year alone. It is providing various fiscal incentives as well.

Source: Economic Times