The government has set a provisional target of constructing 10,421 km of national highways for this financial year, which is 15 per cent less than the previous year's achievement due to the election process delaying various state clearances, said Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, on Thursday.

During April to June of this financial year, the ministry constructed 1,934 km of highways, compared to 2,250 km during the same period last year.

Gadkari mentioned that the general election in 2024 had preoccupied district authorities in all states, impacting the resolution of hindrances and affecting the pace of construction. Nevertheless, he assured that the Ministry is making all efforts to maximize the construction pace. Additionally, global bids have been invited for a satellite-based road toll collection system, and trials have started on two new bus routes in Dwarka and Vasant Vihar to enhance connectivity in Delhi.

Out of the total target, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is responsible for 5,000 km, while the remaining will be managed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) and the road wing of the ministry.

The awarding pace of new highway projects has slowed to just 95 km in the April-June quarter, down from 611 km in the same period of 2023-24, due to the elections. This slowdown has been ongoing since the finance ministry requested a pause on taking new liabilities under the Bharatmala project last October. In the last financial year, 8,581 km of highway projects were awarded, compared to the target of 13,290 km.