The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to roll out 15 significant road projects valued at Rs 44,000 crore, spanning 937 kilometres, in the current financial year. These projects will be developed under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, aiming to enhance the nation's highway infrastructure.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduced a revamped BOT project framework earlier this year to bolster private sector investment in highway development. The updated guidelines are designed to attract more private players by providing greater clarity and support for project execution.
Among the prominent projects listed are the Guwahati Ring Road in Assam, including the Brahmaputra Bridge, with an estimated cost of Rs 5,500 crore; the Kasarwadi-Rajgurunagar project in Maharashtra, estimated at Rs 5,954 crore; the Pune-Shirur Road Project in Maharashtra, budgeted at Rs 6,170 crore; and the Armoor-Mancherial Road Project in Telangana, with a cost projection of Rs 3,175 crore.
Under the BOT model, private investors are responsible for financing, constructing, and operating the highway over a concession period of 20-30 years. Investment recovery is typically achieved through user charges or tolls levied on road users.
The Ministry's new guidelines for BOT projects include several key modifications aimed at ensuring timely completion and sustainability. These include providing construction support to concessionaires and extending the tolling period to mitigate financial losses due to competition from existing roads.
NHAI’s initiative is expected to boost connectivity, reduce travel time, and enhance safety across the targeted routes, contributing significantly to the nation's infrastructure growth.
