NHAI to Construct 6,396 km Highways by FY 2026 with ₹3.5 Trillion Investment: Gadkari
New Delhi, September 12: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will complete 6,396 kilometers of road projects by the financial year 2026 with an estimated investment of ₹3.5 trillion.
Speaking at the Nirman Bharat Conclave in New Delhi, Gadkari outlined the government’s infrastructure expansion plans and expressed confidence that India’s highway program faces no financial shortage.
Big Jump from Previous Targets
NHAI’s upcoming target is a significant increase compared to previous years. The authority had planned 1,300 km in FY 2024 and 2,170 km in FY 2025, but the target for FY 2026 has been raised to more than 6,000 km.
“We have enough funds. Even if we construct 15,000 km of highways, there will be no shortage of money,” Gadkari said. He added that toll revenues are currently generating ₹55,000 crore annually, which is being reinvested into new projects.
Key Challenges and Solutions
The minister admitted that challenges remain in land acquisition, utility shifting, and regulatory clearances, but assured that these issues are being resolved through better coordination and follow-ups with stakeholders.
He also acknowledged the impact of natural disasters such as landslides and cloudbursts on highway infrastructure. “These are challenges we accept. By adopting new technologies and identifying black spots, we are improving safety and resilience,” Gadkari said.
Nationwide Connectivity Vision
The road expansion program is designed to enhance nationwide connectivity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Arunachal Pradesh to Kutch. Gadkari highlighted how new tunnels and expressways have already reduced travel times.
For instance, the journey from Manali to Rohtang Pass, which once took hours, can now be completed in eight minutes due to improved road infrastructure.
Boost to Economy, Tourism and Logistics
The minister said that improved road networks are significantly reducing logistics costs for businesses and contributing to India’s economic growth.
“Better highways have led to faster freight movement, reduced costs, and greater efficiency for industries,” Gadkari stated. He also noted that tourism and pilgrimage traffic has increased sharply, with several states introducing new permits to manage rising inflows.
Long-Term Outlook
With the highway development program advancing rapidly, the ministry aims to position India’s road network among the best in the world. Gadkari reiterated that the government is focused not just on building new roads, but also on upgrading safety features, reducing accident-prone zones, and introducing sustainable construction technologies.
“The dream of connecting India with world-class roads is becoming a reality. Our aim is not only speed but also safety and sustainability,” he concluded.
