85 National Highway Projects Delayed Over Three Years

26 Mar 2026 CW Team

He identified bottlenecks relating to land acquisition, statutory clearances and permissions, utility shifting, removal of encroachments and law and order issues as principal causes of delay. These impediments have disrupted schedules and increased the risk of cost escalation for affected projects. Complex coordination requirements among central and state agencies and other stakeholders have further complicated timely completion. The cumulative effect has been slower delivery of road connectivity and deferred benefits for communities and commerce along affected routes.

The government has undertaken various initiatives to prevent recurrence of delays and to manage costs, the minister said in a written reply. Measures emphasise strengthening monitoring frameworks, improving coordination between levels of government and streamlining clearance processes to expedite progress. Implementing agencies and contractors are being urged to enhance planning, risk management and responsiveness to on?site contingencies. Authorities are reported to favour greater use of monitoring tools and periodic reviews to identify emerging bottlenecks early.

Officials indicated that sustained oversight and prompt remedial action are necessary to restore momentum on delayed corridors and to ensure that infrastructure investments yield intended connectivity and economic benefits. Continued reporting to the legislature and regular review of project status are expected to remain central to these efforts. The response in the Upper House reflects ongoing parliamentary scrutiny of execution challenges affecting national highway delivery.

On March 18 the Road, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed the Rajya Sabha that 85 under-construction national highway projects are delayed by more than three years. The assessment is based on available data and encompasses projects at various stages of execution. The minister attributed the prolonged slippage to multiple systemic challenges affecting project delivery. The disclosure formed part of routine parliamentary responses on infrastructure status and followed queries on project timelines. He identified bottlenecks relating to land acquisition, statutory clearances and permissions, utility shifting, removal of encroachments and law and order issues as principal causes of delay. These impediments have disrupted schedules and increased the risk of cost escalation for affected projects. Complex coordination requirements among central and state agencies and other stakeholders have further complicated timely completion. The cumulative effect has been slower delivery of road connectivity and deferred benefits for communities and commerce along affected routes. The government has undertaken various initiatives to prevent recurrence of delays and to manage costs, the minister said in a written reply. Measures emphasise strengthening monitoring frameworks, improving coordination between levels of government and streamlining clearance processes to expedite progress. Implementing agencies and contractors are being urged to enhance planning, risk management and responsiveness to on?site contingencies. Authorities are reported to favour greater use of monitoring tools and periodic reviews to identify emerging bottlenecks early. Officials indicated that sustained oversight and prompt remedial action are necessary to restore momentum on delayed corridors and to ensure that infrastructure investments yield intended connectivity and economic benefits. Continued reporting to the legislature and regular review of project status are expected to remain central to these efforts. The response in the Upper House reflects ongoing parliamentary scrutiny of execution challenges affecting national highway delivery.

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