The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the upgradation of the Dhamasiya-Bitada/Movi and Nasarpore-Malotha sections of National Highway 56 in Gujarat to a four-lane standard under the hybrid annuity mode. The approved packages cover 47.46 km and 60.21 km respectively, with a combined length of 107.67 km and a total capital cost of Rs 45,836.4 mn. The works form part of NH-56 which originates at Nimbahera in Rajasthan, crosses Dahod district in Gujarat and Alirajpur district in Madhya Pradesh before re-entering Gujarat and terminating near Vapi at the junction with NH-48.

The project passes through the Aspirational District of Narmada and is expected to strengthen connectivity to tribal areas in Dahod, Chhota Udepur, Tapi and Bharuch, thereby supporting local economic growth. It will also enhance access to the Statue of Unity at Kevadia village, which lies around 11 km from NH-56, improving links for domestic tourism and related services. The road is being designed for a maximum speed of 100 km/h and for an average operational speed of 70 km/h.

The higher design speed and improved carriageway are expected to cut travel time by 40 per cent, reducing journeys along the upgraded stretch from two and a half hours to one and a half hours. The project is projected to generate about 1.938 mn man-days of direct employment and about 2.282 mn man-days of indirect employment, with further job creation anticipated from increased economic activity along the corridor. Construction works for the adjacent packages from Jambugam (Bodeli) to Dhamasiya and from Movi to Nasarpore commenced in November 2025.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, through the National Highways Authority of India, expects the completion of the present packages to create continuous four-lane connectivity from Bodeli to Malotha, easing congestion on NH-56. This continuity will also improve links to NH-53, NH-48 and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, supporting regional freight and passenger movements. The initiative reflects broader efforts to upgrade national highway corridors to stimulate regional development.