NHAI awarded projects worth Rs 31,000 cr in FY21, highest in past 3 years

It has set a target of awarding 4,500 km of highway during current financial year, which it is likely to exceed

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Monday said it has awarded projects worth Rs 31,000 crore in FY21.

The authority claimed, despite challenges due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic, it has awarded highest length of projects during FY 2020-21.

Between April and August this year, NHAI awarded 26 projects of 744 km length as compared to 676 km in FY20, 368 km in FY19 and 504 km in FY18. 

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 financial year, which it is likely to exceed.

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 has disbursed Rs 10,000 crore during the lockdown using digital platforms, the official statement said.

In the first quarter of current financial year, NHAI disbursed more than Rs 15,000 crore to the vendors. Additionally, steps such as monthly payments to the contractors were taken. Such moderations saw an encouraged participation from the bidders resulting in spiraling effect on the growth of the road sector, the statement added.

The authority said it is committed to develop the National Highways Infrastructure at a rapid pace and envisions to provide safe, smooth, and seamless travel experience on National Highways.

In April, NHAI had said it completed constructing 3979 km of highways in the financial year 2019-20.

NHAI said that the construction pace as noticed in last years has seen a steady growth with 3,380 Km construction in the FY 2018-19. Continuing the same trend with the development of 3,979 km of national highways during FY 2019-20, NHAI has achieved an all-time high construction since its inception in 1995, the official release claimed.

The government has envisaged a very ambitious highway development programme namely Bharatmala Pariyojana which includes development of about 65,000 km national highways.

Under Phase-I of Bharatmala Pariyojana, the Government has approved implementation of 34,800 km of national highways with a very stiff target of 5 years with an outlay of Rs 5,35,000 crore. NHAI has been mandated development of about 27,500 km of national highways under Bharatmal Pariyojna Phase-I.

In order to accelerate the pace of construction, large no. of initiatives have been taken to revive the stalled projects and expedite completion of new projects, the authority said

The authority said it works in close coordination with other Ministries and State Governments, resorted to one time fund infusion and regular review at various levels and identification/ removal of bottl