NHAI to build 5,795 km National Highways in Aspirational Districts

24 Feb 2022 CW Team

Over 100 Aspirational Districts of India would undergo the construction of 5,795 km of National Highways (NHs) under a Rs one trillion programme, which is about to be unveiled.

The Road Ministry has selected 221 projects for expansion. The 5,566-km of roadways are already under construction in those districts, for Rs 66,000 crore.

The previous reports highlighted that since the financial year (FY) 2014-15, the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) debt increased 14 times to over Rs three trillion from Rs 24,188 crore at the end of January 2022.

Particularly in FY22 and FY21, it borrowed nearly Rs 65,000 crore each. But reportedly, the Central Government now plans to reduce it by Rs one trillion by 2024-25.

According to the data of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), all Aspirational Districts are already connected highways.

The extension would enhance economic activity in these areas.

In the last five years, more than 6,000 km NH has been constructed, which also connects ambitious districts.

As per the ministry’s annual report, in the first nine months of FY 2021-22, 5,835-km national highways have been built.

However, over the coming five years, the total length of the national highway network in these aspirational districts would grow to more than 18,000 km.

NITI Ayog told the media that this programme mainly focuses on enhancing the ability of the people to participate fully in the burgeoning economy.

NITI Ayog revealed that the selection process is based on the total progress made across 49 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), under five broad socio-economic themes- Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Health & Nutrition, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development and Infrastructure.

The performance and the delta-ranking of Aspirational Districts of every district are available on the Champions of Change Dashboard.

However, as per the experts, for these districts, connection (through the national highway) would be a massive multiplier in bringing growth to those places and the nearly 250 million people who live there.

Moreover, during the latest budget session, Nirmala Sitharaman, the Finance Minister, has set a target of increasing the country’s National Highways network by 25,000 km in 2022-2023, more than 12,000 km in the fiscal year 2022.

Image Source

Also read: NHAI to offer land along National Highways for realty development

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

Over 100 Aspirational Districts of India would undergo the construction of 5,795 km of National Highways (NHs) under a Rs one trillion programme, which is about to be unveiled. The Road Ministry has selected 221 projects for expansion. The 5,566-km of roadways are already under construction in those districts, for Rs 66,000 crore. The previous reports highlighted that since the financial year (FY) 2014-15, the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) debt increased 14 times to over Rs three trillion from Rs 24,188 crore at the end of January 2022. Particularly in FY22 and FY21, it borrowed nearly Rs 65,000 crore each. But reportedly, the Central Government now plans to reduce it by Rs one trillion by 2024-25. According to the data of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), all Aspirational Districts are already connected highways. The extension would enhance economic activity in these areas. In the last five years, more than 6,000 km NH has been constructed, which also connects ambitious districts. As per the ministry’s annual report, in the first nine months of FY 2021-22, 5,835-km national highways have been built. However, over the coming five years, the total length of the national highway network in these aspirational districts would grow to more than 18,000 km. NITI Ayog told the media that this programme mainly focuses on enhancing the ability of the people to participate fully in the burgeoning economy. NITI Ayog revealed that the selection process is based on the total progress made across 49 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), under five broad socio-economic themes- Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Health & Nutrition, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development and Infrastructure. The performance and the delta-ranking of Aspirational Districts of every district are available on the Champions of Change Dashboard. However, as per the experts, for these districts, connection (through the national highway) would be a massive multiplier in bringing growth to those places and the nearly 250 million people who live there. Moreover, during the latest budget session, Nirmala Sitharaman, the Finance Minister, has set a target of increasing the country’s National Highways network by 25,000 km in 2022-2023, more than 12,000 km in the fiscal year 2022. Image Source Also read: NHAI to offer land along National Highways for realty development

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

Pecan Realty Completes Rs 1.5 Billion Transactions

Pecan Realty has recently completed four institutional transactions worth over Rs 1.5 billion over the past two years, strengthening its position as an execution-led real estate platform. The deals include resolution-led acquisitions, structured finance transactions and capital partnerships across its development portfolio.The transactions covered acquisitions through the National Company Law Tribunal process and helped provide repayment or exits to both private and public sector lenders. The company said the deals demonstrate its ability to resolve complex project situations, work with instit..

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

SNN Estates Expands North Bengaluru Housing Project

SNN Estates has announced an expansion of its SNN Estates Felicity residential project in North Bengaluru following strong buyer demand, with 75 per cent of the first-phase inventory sold within three days of launch.The developer will add 76 apartments in the new phase, taking the project's estimated revenue potential to around Rs 1,000 crore upon completion of Phase 2.Spread across 6.5 acres in Rachenahalli, near Manyata Tech Park, the project comprises 604 apartments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK configurations. The development includes a 50,000-sq-ft clubhouse with amenities such as sports co..

Infrastructure Urban

07 Jul 2026

SCG Drives ASEAN Industrial Transformation Strategy

SCG is strengthening its focus on ASEAN as a key growth region by advancing industrial transformation, enhancing competitiveness and building resilient regional value chains. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCG, highlighted the need for industries to continuously develop capabilities, strengthen resilience and deepen regional cooperation to achieve sustainable long-term growth.SCG views ASEAN as an important growth engine alongside China, supported by favourable demographics, trade connectivity and investment flows. With ASEAN’s GDP projected to grow by around 4.7..