As per data presented to the Rajya Sabha, 85 under-construction national highway projects are delayed by more than three years due to multiple factors. Bottlenecks cited include land acquisition, statutory clearances and permissions, utility shifting, encroachment removal and law and order issues. The situation has affected project timelines across regions and increased scrutiny of implementation processes. Delays have led to extended completion timelines and increased cost assessments for the affected stretches, prompting calls for tighter project management.

Other contributing factors comprise a financial crunch affecting implementation capacity of concessionaire or contractor, poor performance of contractors and force majeure events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and change of law. The minister said the government has initiated measures to prevent recurrence of delays and related cost escalations. Those measures aim to strengthen oversight and reduce procedural friction. The measures include enhanced contract monitoring and periodic reviews to bring projects back on schedule.

Efforts to expedite land acquisition and compensation include use of the BhoomiRashi portal integrated with the Public Finance Management System (PFMS) and a GIS-based Land Acquisition Plan. The Parivesh portal has been revamped to facilitate faster forest and environmental clearances. Online approval of General Arrangement of Drawings (GAD) for Road Over Bridge and Road Under Bridge has been enabled to speed structural approvals. Greater use of digital records and geospatial data is intended to improve transparency and decision-making during implementation.

The ministry is also leveraging a mechanism for review and resolution of bottlenecks and hindrances in ongoing projects to ensure timely completion. Emphasis has been placed on monitoring concessionaire performance and addressing statutory and financial impediments at early stages. Officials expect improved coordination and use of digital tools to curtail future delays. The focus on early intervention and technological integration is expected to reduce bottlenecks and limit future cost increases.