Land acquisition is one of the factors delaying 72 national highway projects in 17 states and union territories, the Lok Sabha was informed Thursday.
In a written reply, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Krishan Pal Gurjar said: "A total of 72 national highway projects are delayed due to various reasons, including acquisition of land."
Assam has the maximum number of such projects -- 12, followed by Tamil Nadu (11) and Bihar (9), he added.
"Actual escalation due to delay or cost over-run will be known only after completion of the projects and final settlement of bills," Gurjar said.
The minister listed measures to complete these projects. These include simplification of procedure for issuing notifications, setting up of high-powered committees and special land acquisition units besides regional offices with adequate delegated powers for effective monitoring of implementation of projects.