Despite challenges due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Centre has awarded highest length of projects during the current financial year till date as compared to the projects awarded during same period in last three years.
As per Road Transport Ministry and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), during April to August 2020, NHAI has awarded 26 projects of 744 km length as compared to 676 km in 2019-20, 368 km in fiscal 2018-19 and 504 km in financial year 2017-18. as per Ministry sources the capital cost of these 26 projects is over Rs 31,000 crore, which includes cost of civil construction, land acquisition, and other pre- construction activities.
NHAI has set a target of awarding 4,500 km of highway during current fiscal and is likely to exceed the same. “Despite lockdown and prevailing situation, NHAI took various initiatives to instill confidence in the bidders of the sector. To ease the liquidity crunch and ensure cash flow to the contractors, NHAI ensured that no payments are delayed due to closure of office and disbursed Rs 10,000 crore during lockdown in March 2020 using digital platforms,” Road Ministry sources said.
