The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated the bidding process to upgrade the existing four-lane carriageway to a six-lane highway on the Kandla-Mundra stretch of National Highway-41 (NH-41) in Gujarat. The project will be implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) on a Design, Build, Operate and Transfer (DBOT) basis and spans a 71.35-km stretch from Kandla in Gandhidham to Mundra. The development, operation and maintenance of the corridor will be undertaken through private sector participation under the supervision of the concerned authority. According to tender documents the estimated project cost excluding GST is Rs 19,172.8 mn while the estimated bid project cost appraised by the Standing Finance Committee and the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee stands at Rs 21,884.8 mn excluding GST. The tender papers set out technical and financial parameters for bidders and indicate that the appraisal figures reflect comprehensive cost assessments. Financial commitments will follow stipulated procedures. Bids must be submitted online only through the NHAI e-tendering portal by April 15, 2026 at 11:00 am IST and technical bids will be opened on April 16, 2026 at 11:30 am IST. Bids submitted through any other mode will not be entertained. The tender timeline underscores the authority's emphasis on transparent competitive procurement. The proposed six-laning of the NH-41 stretch between Kandla and Mundra is intended to strengthen port connectivity in Gujarat by improving the link between Deendayal Port at Kandla and Mundra Port handling substantial cargo traffic. Expanding highway capacity is expected to ease congestion facilitate faster cargo evacuation and improve overall freight movement efficiency. Given heavy container and commercial vehicle traffic the widening is likely to reduce travel time minimise bottlenecks and lower fuel consumption and vehicle operating costs benefiting transporters and logistics operators. The project is also expected to boost industrial growth in the Kutch region by improving supply chain reliability and attracting investments linked to port led development. Improved connectivity may support ancillary services and strengthen regional economic prospects. The authority expects the upgrade to contribute to long-term resilience of freight corridors.