The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has allocated a substantial sum of Rs. 9.94 Lakh Crore for the development of National Highways (NHs) across India over the last five years, according to a recent statement. In addition, Rs. 27,000 Crore has been spent on the Maintenance and Repair (M&R) of NHs during the same period.
A notable portion of this expenditure includes Rs. 187 Crore directed towards the upkeep of key stretches of NHs, particularly between Guwahati in Assam and Agartala in Tripura. The total length of this highway segment is approximately 577 km, with a significant 236 km under a Concession Period or Defect Liability Period (DLP), where maintenance is handled by the designated Concessionaire or Contractor.
Meanwhile, substantial widening and strengthening works have been carried out on about 129 km of the route. For the remaining 213 km, maintenance efforts are being managed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) along with the State Government, ensuring these stretches remain in optimal condition for traffic use.
The information was provided by Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on November 28, 2024.