40 projects at a capital cost of about Rs 47,000 crore have been awarded. The length of the highways is 1,330 km. NHAI intends to award 4,500 km of projects in the current financial year, and is likely to exceed the target. Around 80% to 90% of land acquisition, shifting of utilities, and obtaining required clearances from various forest and environment authorities has been completed.
In highway construction, major costs include civil work, land acquisition, and other pre-construction activities.
NHAI seems to be in competition with itself with the current
allotment of projects in the first quarter of the current financial year
exceeding the entire previous financial year by 1.6 times and the year before
that by 3.5 times.
NHAI fully appreciates the financial scarcity that has befallen on most individuals to the pandemic of COVID-19, and has been prompt in releasing payments via online channels, even though the physical offices were closed.
Specifically, in March 2020, the state-run company released about Rs 10,000 crore with no payments remaining pending. Similarly, more than Rs 15,000 crore was disbursed in the first quarter of this financial year. In addition, to help maintain regular cash flow, monthly payments to contractors is being maintained.
Roads, and the care of the human resources involved in the
same, will not only lead to the growth of the road sector but also the nation
and its economy.