Highway projects mostly at risk in four states

19 May 2020 CW Staff

Photo: For representational purpose

Construction of national highways came to a grinding halt with the nationwide lockdown imposed on March 25, 2020, to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. However, to the relief of developers, the government allowed resumption of construction from April 20, subject to clearances from district administrations.

But activity remains stalled due to severe shortage of labour and raw material, and difficulty in securing requisite clearances.

What’s more, the Centre has divided districts into red, orange and green zones based on the extent of contagion. Only insitu construction is allowed in red zones until the next announcement.

As per a press note by CRISIL Research, the firm’s analysis of over 270 under-construction national highways indicates the top 10 states account for 80 per cent of the projects.

The zones of maximum risk

Projects are most at risk in four of these states – Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh – that account for over a third of the projects.

In Maharashtra, which has 11 per cent of the national highway projects, as much as 55 per cent of it is in red zones.

In Uttar Pradesh, which has the lion’s share of projects under construction at 15 per cent, a third is in the red zones.

Projects in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, each with over 35 per cent projects in red zones, are also at risk.

In the milieu, for developers, containment of the pandemic and lifting of the extended lockdown are the key monitorables for a return to normalcy.

About a fifth of under-construction NHAI projects are in the red zones of the top 10 states

Those in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are at higher risk

Your next big infra connection is waiting at RAHSTA 2025 – Asia’s Biggest Roads & Highways Expo, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Don’t miss out!

Photo: For representational purpose Construction of national highways came to a grinding halt with the nationwide lockdown imposed on March 25, 2020, to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. However, to the relief of developers, the government allowed resumption of construction from April 20, subject to clearances from district administrations. But activity remains stalled due to severe shortage of labour and raw material, and difficulty in securing requisite clearances. What’s more, the Centre has divided districts into red, orange and green zones based on the extent of contagion. Only insitu construction is allowed in red zones until the next announcement. As per a press note by CRISIL Research, the firm’s analysis of over 270 under-construction national highways indicates the top 10 states account for 80 per cent of the projects. The zones of maximum risk Projects are most at risk in four of these states – Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh – that account for over a third of the projects. In Maharashtra, which has 11 per cent of the national highway projects, as much as 55 per cent of it is in red zones. In Uttar Pradesh, which has the lion’s share of projects under construction at 15 per cent, a third is in the red zones. Projects in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, each with over 35 per cent projects in red zones, are also at risk. In the milieu, for developers, containment of the pandemic and lifting of the extended lockdown are the key monitorables for a return to normalcy. About a fifth of under-construction NHAI projects are in the red zones of the top 10 states Those in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are at higher risk

Real Estate

05 Sep 2025

Vitizen Hotels Signs Deal at Manyata Tech Park

Vikram Kamats Hospitality, as part of its ongoing expansion in key metropolitan markets, announced that its material subsidiary, Vitizen Hotels, has signed a long-term lease agreement for a 45-key hotel property at Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru.Strategically located in the city’s prominent IT hub, the property is well-positioned to serve corporate travelers, business professionals, and long-stay guests. The addition aligns with the company’s asset-light growth model, leveraging long-term leases to expand its footprint in high-demand urban markets.The hotel is expected to strengthen the comp..

Infrastructure Transport

05 Sep 2025

CONCOR Signs MoU with BPIPL to Operate Container Terminal at Bhavnagar Port

Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhavnagar Port Infrastructure (BPIPL) on September 4, 2025, in New Delhi to operate and maintain the upcoming container terminal at the northside of Bhavnagar Port, Gujarat.BPIPL had earlier entered into an agreement with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) in September 2024 for the port’s development. Under this arrangement, 235 hectares of land has been leased to BPIPL for 30 years, with provision for expansion by an additional 250 hectares.The new terminal is expected to significantly enhance logistic..

Infrastructure Transport

05 Sep 2025

Concord Launches India’s First Indigenous Zero-Emission Rail Propulsion

Concord Control Systems (CCSL), a leader in embedded electronics and critical rail technologies, has announced the development of India’s first fully indigenous zero-emission propulsion system, marking a significant step toward the country’s railway electrification and net-zero goals for 2030.Powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries and featuring a DC chopper-based drive, the propulsion system eliminates idling losses common in diesel engines, offering higher efficiency, lower costs, and zero emissions.What sets this innovation apart is its completely indigenous design. Except for..