The sluggish pace of awarding projects in the roadways sector is anticipated to have a detrimental impact on highway construction in India. According to reports, the delay in awarding contracts has raised concerns about achieving the targeted highway construction goals. The protracted process of project approvals and awards has been identified as a significant bottleneck in the timely execution of infrastructure projects.

Experts emphasise that the slow pace of project awards not only impedes the progress of ongoing highway construction but also hampers the initiation of new projects. This delay is attributed to various factors, including bureaucratic hurdles, regulatory clearances, and procedural complexities in the approval process. The inefficiencies in project award mechanisms have created a bottleneck in the overall development of the country's road infrastructure.

The repercussions of the sluggish project award pace extend beyond the immediate construction domain. They have a cascading effect on the economy, affecting job creation, investment inflow, and the overall economic growth associated with robust infrastructure development. Stakeholders in the roadways sector urge authorities to streamline and expedite the project award process to catalyse the pace of highway construction.

Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from policymakers, regulatory bodies, and relevant stakeholders to identify and rectify procedural bottlenecks. Accelerating the project award process is essential for realising the full potential of infrastructure development, ensuring the timely completion of highway projects, and bolstering the economic impact associated with robust roadway networks in the country.